Representatives from 21 countries are asking India to improve the religious freedom of minorities. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, released a joint statement condemning increased violence, hate speech, and anti-conversion laws.
“These laws can be used against minority groups that are not Hindus, including Christians, Muslims, and others,” Greg Musselman with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada says.
“Anybody that leaves Hinduism for another religion immediately is treated as [a] suspect. [Authorities assume] there must have been some coercion.”
Nearly half of India’s 28 states now have anti-conversion laws on the books. Karnataka passed a new law in September, while Uttarakhand strengthened existing legislation last week.
Anti-conversion laws are “continuing to expand right across the country, which of course, is concerning to the Christians,” Musselman says. See our full coverage here.
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SOURCE: Mission Network News, Katey Hearth
CALL TO ACTION
- Pray that Christian leaders in Karnataka, along with those of other Indian states, will be granted God’s wisdom and direction as they navigate these widely abused laws.
- May believers receive divinely appointed opportunities to continue reaching out to those around them with the Gospel message, even in the midst of these dangers.
- Pray that governing officials in India will realize the value of respecting diverse opinions and, therefore, endeavor to work harmoniously with members of all religious communities.
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