Bibha Kerketta made her vows to become a nun six months ago and came home in early June to celebrate with her family and friends in Balachhapar, a village located in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. However, as people gathered at her mother's home on June 6th, a group of Hindu militants barged into the house, accusing the Christians of conducting a healing service and insulting other religions.
Despite denials and explanations from those present, the mob questioned the nun and her family about why they had converted to Christianity. The aggressors also tore apart a Bible and snatched away other religious items. When police were called to investigate the disturbance, the authorities arrested Bibha, along with her mother and three others who were present. The Christians were held in the Jashpur prison until their bail hearing. On June 13th, the magistrate granted bail to each of these detained believers.
Anti-conversion legislation is commonly used as an excuse by militant Hindu groups to create problems for Christians and other religious minorities. For more information on the persecution of followers of Jesus in India, go to our country report.
Please pray that all charges against these recently arrested believers will be dropped and that any ongoing animosities within their community would be resolved, allowing Bibha and her family to gather peacefully without fear of further attacks. Despite the hatred and anger directed towards them by the accusatory militants, may these Christians – as well as others encountering persecution throughout India – be examples of Christ by demonstrating His love and mercy in the face of opposition.
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