Christians in India Fear Tighter Laws Target Them

The recent decision by Mumbai churches to collect “consent forms” from attendees is a symptom of a broader pattern of persecution facing the country’s Christian community. This trend is part of a disturbing global phenomenon where governments increasingly seek to regulate and restrict the activities of minority faiths.

India’s anti-conversion laws, passed in several states over the past decade, have created an environment of fear and intimidation for Christians, who comprise 2.3% of the country’s population. These laws aim to prevent “forced conversions,” but in practice, they often serve as a tool for Hindu right-wing groups to harass and silence Christian communities.

Uttar Pradesh is a particularly egregious example. With over 200 ongoing cases against Christians under its anti-conversion law, the state has become a hotbed of vigilantism. Pastors like Shiv, who was arrested and detained for conducting a prayer meeting, are increasingly finding themselves at the mercy of extremist groups. The police have failed to provide adequate protection to Christian communities.

The language used by Hindu right-wing groups is revealing. Terms like “rice bag convert” imply that Christians are bribing people to join their faith, creating a sense of distrust and animosity towards minority communities. Baseless accusations, such as listing the Bible and cross as evidence in police complaints, further underscore the malicious intent behind these laws.

Anti-conversion laws have been on the books in some Indian states since the 1980s, but their passage has become more widespread under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP government. This has emboldened hardline Hindu groups affiliated with the RSS, leading to a situation where innocent Christians are caught in the crossfire.

The consent forms being collected by Mumbai churches serve as a desperate attempt to protect themselves from potential litigation. They also underscore the deep-seated distrust between Christian communities and the Indian government. The presence of CCTV cameras is another measure designed to deter vigilantism, but it raises questions about their effectiveness in preventing violence.

As India’s anti-conversion laws continue to spread, so too does the persecution of its Christian community. It is essential for the international community to take notice of this trend and hold Indian authorities accountable for their actions. Similar patterns of persecution have been witnessed before – in Myanmar, in Nigeria, and in other parts of the world. The world must not remain silent as India becomes the latest chapter in this tragic tale.

The passage of time will tell whether these anti-conversion laws will have a chilling effect on India’s Christian communities or if they will ultimately be deemed unconstitutional. What is clear, however, is that the Indian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of religion. Until then, churches like those in Mumbai will continue to collect consent forms, and pastors like Shiv will remain at risk of persecution.