Release International

Hindu extremists across India are continuing to use anti-conversion laws as an excuse to attack Christians and try to limit church activities.

In the latest reported attack, on June 23, two pastors were seriously injured when men attacked them with iron bars at a tea stall in Chandapura, Karnataka state, accusing them of converting people to Christianity by force. Pastors Shidu Kurialose and Nithya Vachanam from Bethel Assembly of God Church were admitted to hospital after the assault.

The previous day, extremists reported to be from the Bajrang Dal organisation burnt at least seven vehicles belonging to the Jesus with Us Pentecostal Church in Mathikere, Tamil Nadu. The attack followed efforts by extremists to prevent the church holding a four-day convention. In the event, the gathering went ahead in a different location, under police protection.

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, Hindu extremists reported to be from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh organisation raided a meeting at Jesus Church in Firozabad on June 21 and threatened to harm Pastor Breymond Shastri if he continued to lead worship there. They also persuaded the local media to publish an article accusing the pastor of forcible conversion.

Eight Indian states have introduced anti-conversion laws – though one, Tamil Nadu, has since repealed them.

(Sources: Compass Direct, VOM Canada)

• Pray that the church in India will remain steadfast in their faith.
• Pray that Indian politicians and law enforcers will take a tougher line on extremist elements who are falsely accusing Christians of forced conversion.

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