and their 18-month-old daughter.
Photo: Morning Star News
On April 24th, Pastor Kirubendran and his family were detained for allegedly conducting "forcible conversion" activities and "insulting religion." The pastor's wife, Manju, was released on bail in early May, along with their 18-month-old daughter. While the toddler had not been charged, she was detained along with her mother. Despite repeated attempts to post bail, Pastor Kirubendran was not released from custody until May 24th.
The imprisoned pastor is puzzled over the charges, as he had been serving in the town of Kasimabad, Uttar Pradesh, for six years without any previous incident. In addition to leading a church, Pastor Kirubendran and Manju also provided free education to 60 impoverished children, using a government-approved curriculum. Therefore, it was a shock when a crowd of opposing community members gathered outside the couple's home on April 23rd, hurling accusations against them. According to a lawyer who is following the case, militant groups had compiled a list of churches in the district with the intention of filing allegations and forcibly shutting down the places of worship.
The complainant, Bupendra Singh, claimed that 50,000 rupees were offered to any villager who converted to Christianity. The Christians were also accused of promising employment and miraculous healing, along with making objectionable comments against Hindus. Though now released on bail, Pastor Kirubendran has been unable to resume services for the 90 people who regularly attend his church. The owner of the building that was being rented by church members for the services has refused to allow the Christians entrance.
According to Pastor Kirubendran, he and his family continue to remain under threat: "Those who have complained against us...are high-caste people. They are the rich and affluent. My life can get in danger; I must stay safe and keep a low profile. We will have to prove that we are not guilty, but innocent."
The state of Uttar Pradesh heads the list for violent attacks against Christians in India, with a total of 149 reported incidents of persecution against followers of Jesus in 2022. So far, in 2023, there have already been 115 recorded anti-Christian incidents. For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country report.
Considering the extreme hostility this family is presently facing, pray that the Lord's ministry will be experienced in their lives, keeping them safe from harm and providing for all their spiritual and practical needs. On behalf of this persecuted family, please also pray that justice would prevail in the courts, and that all charges against them will be dropped. May an amiable relationship be re-established among the Christian and Hindu members of this community, allowing the ministering couple to continue serving the people of Kasimabad without fear of further threat or harassment.
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