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Shrine to Hindu god, Venkateshwara
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Each year, millions of pilgrims journey to the town of Tirupati in the Chitoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India to visit its sacred Hindu sites. Especially prominent is the nearby shrine to the Hindu god, Lord Venkateshwara in the hills of Tirumala. According to an August 21 report from the Hindustan Times, a number of Hindu pilgrims complained to authorities after Christians were found preaching near the shrine and handing out pamphlets. The state government has responded by introducing legislation that would ban the propagation of any faith other than Hinduism in the area. If the legislation is passed, those preaching any other religion could face imprisonment and fines of 2000 rupees ($48.00 CAN). Those attempting to convert people to religions other than Hinduism could be imprisoned for two years.
While India is officially a secular nation, the dominance of Hinduism affects many aspects of the culture and is the basis for anti-conversion legislation in several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh. A state legislation that only allows for the preaching of Hinduism, however, completely contradicts India's secular constitution.
Pray that, like the first century Christians, Indian Christians will actually become bolder witnesses because of the increased persecution (Acts 4:29-31). Pray that they will respond with love and compassion toward those who oppose them (Romans 12:17-21). Pray that those who are working to enforce anti-conversion laws will be saved by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.
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