Christian Couple Released on Bail

Catholic Connect, Church in Chains 13 February 2025

Three crosses are seen against a clear blue sky. — A church in India.
Photo: Flickr / Nevil Zaver (cc)

In a Persecution & Prayer Alert report published earlier this month, it was revealed that a pastor and his wife in India had been convicted of allegedly attempting to convert Dalit villagers within their community. Pastor Jose Pappachan and his wife Sheeja were both fined and sentenced to five years in prison (see our previous report).

Following a rapid decision by the Allahabad High Court, the ministering couple has since been released on bail. After the bail documents were presented to the court on January 31st, the Christians' hearing took place on February 5th. Sheeja was released later that same day, while Pastor Jose's release occurred the next day. It was reported that, throughout the ordeal, the Christian couple remained strong in their faith. Pastor Jose was able to proclaim, "Don't worry, God is with me."

Shibu Thomas, who serves as the founder of the Indian organization, Persecution Relief, expressed his gratitude for the swift legal proceedings. The Christian leader believes that prayer played a key role in the court's decision to grant bail. While hoping for an acquittal, he stated that the couple's lawyers intend to continue the legal battle to exonerate Pastor Jose and Sheeja.

Praise God for the recent release of these faithful Christian ministers of the Gospel!
Pray that all charges against Pastor Jose and Sheeja will be dropped, and that this missionary couple will be free to carry on their ministry activities without further interference.
Pray that Christians will continue to serve as vibrant testimonies throughout India, helping to meet the physical, mental and spiritual needs of those within their communities so that multitudes more will come to saving faith in Christ.

India Information

Current Ministry Projects
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.”

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund
Country Information
Population
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)

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.

India News

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The Supreme Court of India.
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Photo: Flickr / Ashish Kumar Milap (cc)

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A screenshot of people disrupting the service in Bhilai.
Photo: Morning Star News

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