Churches in India have started asking attendees to fill in consent forms, in the wake of laws against religious conversion.
The western Maharashtra state is the latest to introduce a so-called ‘anti-conversion law’, which criminalises religious conversion through fraud or coercion.
Such laws have been used in recent years by Hindu extremist groups across India to stifle legitimate gospel witness. Worship services have been interrupted by Hindu groups and pastors taken into custody.
Now churches in Maharashtra state have begun the precautionary measure of requiring worshippers to sign a declaration, saying they are attending a service or a prayer meeting of their own free will.
Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, President of the All India Christian Council, said, ‘When someone must certify in writing that they are praying willingly, that is not religious freedom being protected. It is religious freedom being quietly taken away.’
Paul Robinson, CEO of Voice of Persecuted Christians, said it was a further indication of the deteriorating situation for Christians in India.
‘Imagine attending a homegroup (as many of us do). When you enter the host’s home, instead of being asked, “Would you like tea or coffee?” you are asked, “Can you fill in this form to state you have come here of your own free will?” That churches feel the need to do this should concern us – and prompt our prayers for our brothers and sisters in India.’
