Rajasthan's Governor Refuses to Sign Anti-Conversion Bill
Rajasthan's governor, Pratibha Patil
On April 12, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported that anti-conversion legislation had passed the Rajasthan state legislature and would come into effect once details had been worked out (click here for more details). What was unforeseen was a move on May 19 by the state governor, Pratibha Patil, who refused to sign the bill into law, saying that it would violate religious freedom. Upon returning the bill to the state assembly, the governor said the bill could be referred to India's president if the assembly so desired. While Rajasthan's government is controlled by the Hindu-based Bharatiya Janata Party, the federal government is controlled by the more secular United Progressive Alliance.
"We are happy that the governor took a bold step," said Dr. Joseph D'souza, president of the All India Christian Council. Praise the Lord that Governor Patil has listened to the concerns of religious minorities in her state and has stopped this legislation. Continue to pray for religious equality in India.
Be sure to receive next month's edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter which features the persecution to India's Christians. Subscribe today on our newsletter page. VOMC is also pleased to offer for sale Joseph D'souza's book, "Dalit Freedom," online for only $10.00. Go to our online catalogue for more details.
VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”
Ethnicity (%) Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)
Religion (%) Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)
Leader President Droupadi Murmu (2022)
Government type Federal parliamentary republic
Legal system Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for India
Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.
A village in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Flickr / United Nations Development Programme (CC)
More than 25 Christians – including children and elderly believers – were injured when a worship service was violently disrupted by Hindu nationalists on May 31st. The attack occurred in the village of Sadrapal, which is located within Chhattisgarh State, as more than 60 Christians gathered for worship. Among those injured were Pastor Hunga Mandavi and his pregnant wife. During the assault, the attackers demanded that the congregants renounce their faith in Christ.
People drawing water in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Unsplash / Wietse Jongsma
More than 180 Christian families from 32 villages in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh have reportedly been denied access to communal water supplies and livelihood opportunities for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus.
On the morning of May 10th, members of a Hindu nationalist organization travelled to disrupt several worship services in the city of Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, where they verbally confronted the churches' pastors and demanded to see their identification papers. In some cases, police were also present to monitor the situation.
A pastor is sharing the Gospel in India. Photo: VOM International
While many Indian states have instituted laws aimed at preventing coerced or forced religious conversions, the newly passed legislation in Chhattisgarh is notably more severe. Signed into effect by the governor on April 7th, the recently implemented law replaces a 1968 statute that Christian leaders say was frequently used as a weapon against minority communities.
Population
