Photo: Morning Star News
Recently, seven Christians – six of whom are pastors – were convicted under the anti-conversion laws of Madhya Pradesh and sentenced to five years in prison. Each believer also received a fine of 100,000 rupees (approximately $1,500 CAD).
The situation began at a birthday party for a five-year-old girl in April 2024. The parents had invited a select number of guests, which did not include a cousin named Angad Singh Maravi. Apparently angered for being left out, Angad gathered a mob together and accused the Christian guests of luring local residents for the purpose of converting them. The mob caused a commotion and threatened to inflict violence on the believers.
As tensions escalated, police were called to the scene. Upon arriving, however, the officers arrested six pastors and another believer who had been invited as guests to the party. The host, Suday Singh Maravi, explicitly stated that no religious propaganda or conversion activities were taking place.
On June 12th of this year, all seven believers were convicted and sentenced. Although they intend to appeal against the ruling, the amount required for bail is beyond what any of them can afford. Other Christians have since rallied to help raise the necessary funds so that the detained believers can be released while awaiting their appeal hearing.
Several Indian states have anti-conversion laws that are frequently misused for personal gain or to target religious minorities. Further information on the challenges facing our Christian brothers and sisters in India may be accessed at our country profile.
- Lift up these seven believers in your prayers, asking the Lord to strengthen their faith, encourage their hearts, and provide each one of them with the financial resources needed for bail and legal expenses.
- Pray that the appeals court would rule in the Christians' favour, leading to their soon release and vindication, so that justice will prevail.
- Also remember the families of these detained men as they endure this painful time of separation from their loved ones – plus, the resulting financial hardships – asking the Lord to manifest His comfort, peace and provision in each of their lives as well.
- Pray that governing leaders in Madhya Pradesh and other states of India will not only recognize the harm being caused by the anti-conversion laws, but that they would ultimately use this realization to govern with wisdom and fairness – ensuring greater protections are provided for religious minorities throughout the country.
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