Photo: Flickr / Nevil Zaver (cc)
On July 30th, 2024, an amendment to Uttar Pradesh's anti-conversion legislation was passed in an effort to strengthen the state's existing laws. In particular, major changes were made to the severity of punishments imposed on convicted individuals. Since the amended law was brought into effect, a pastor and his wife were found guilty on January 22nd and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. They were also fined 25,000 rupees (about $420 CAD) each.
Pastor Jose Pappachan and his wife Sheeja were accused of attempting to convert "vulnerable people." The complainant in the case added that the pastor and his wife had allegedly conducted "mass conversions" during a gathering on December 25th, 2022. However, the ministering couple argued that they were simply providing education and encouraging sobriety among members of the impoverished Dalit community.
Both Pastor Jose and Sheeja served eight months in prison during 2023 before being released on bail. At the bail hearing, the High Court ruled that distributing Bibles, encouraging education and acts of public charity do not constitute attempts to conduct forced religious conversions. Despite this positive former ruling, the original charges against the Christians were upheld, leading to their recent conviction on January 22nd. The couple intends to appeal the local court's decision.
Christian leaders and lawyers in India have expressed concerns that this judgement may serve as a precedent for the hundreds of other believers who have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh under anti-conversion laws. For additional reports on Christian persecution in India, including a video interview about a similar bill that was recently introduced in the Rajasthan state assembly, go to our country profile.
- May God work powerfully within the lives of this recently convicted couple, granting them the strength to serve as vibrant witnesses of His love, hope and peace while commencing with their prison sentences.
- Pray that these believers’ request for an appeal will be approved and that court officials will rule in their favour, leading to the acquittal and release of Pastor Jose and Sheeja.
- Also prayerfully remember the many other Christians throughout India who must contend with the country’s harmful anti-conversion laws, asking that they would receive divine wisdom as they seek to faithfully share the Gospel message.
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