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.
The Supreme Court of India. Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (CC)
A ruling issued on October 17th by India's Supreme Court has brought relief to several believers in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The court reviewed multiple cases filed against Christians under the state's anti-conversion law and ultimately dismissed all charges, stating that "the criminal law cannot be allowed to be made a tool of harassment of innocent persons."
A bus in India. Photo: Wikimedia / Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation (CC)
Two recent incidents in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (located within India's larger Kashmir region) demonstrate the growing challenges faced by those sharing the Gospel in northern India.
A village in India. Photo: Wikimedia / Nikhil More (CC)
Three years ago, "Sameer" (whose name has been changed for security reasons) came to faith in Jesus after witnessing his wife's miraculous healing from a life-threatening health condition. "That day, we knew the love and power of God," he recounts, "and we gave our lives to Christ." Following their decisions, however, the new believers began to experience opposition from unapproving members of their community.
In October 2021, Pastor Nandan Singh was gathered with 25 other Christians for an all-night prayer meeting when militant Hindus, primarily from nearby villages, stormed into his home. Accused of converting people to Christianity, Pastor Nandan became the first individual to be charged under Uttarakhand's anti-conversion legislation.
Population
