MY ACCOUNT
Recently, a new anti-conversion law in India went into effect that threatens Christians' freedom to practice their faith—or even talk about it with others.
This new anti-conversion law was passed in Hindu-majority Uttarakhand, India. Misleadingly, the law is an amendment to the “Freedom of Religion Bill,” but it has great potential to harm the freedom of religion of Christians and other religious minorities, even those who haven’t broken any laws.
“We’ve seen these anti-conversion laws, how dangerous they are to the Christian community,” Global Christian Relief CEO Brian Orme told CBN News. “Anyone can take advantage of them, can abuse them, and they’re often used to push down the Christian community, to falsely accuse them and to imprison pastors.”
The law makes “portraying the practices, rituals, and ceremonies of any religion or any integral part thereof in a prejudicial manner in relation to any other religion; or glorifying one religion as against another” illegal.
What does this mean? Now that no one is allowed to criticize another religion, or suggest that one religion is better than another, evangelism may be impossible. Even sharing one’s faith on social media could result in fines and imprisonment.
“In India, it’s very different,” Orme said. “You’re not innocent until proven guilty; you’re guilty until proven innocent. So they can bring you in with any kind of claim that someone makes, arrest you without a warrant, give you denial of bail or, if they punish you, it can be up to life. It’s a very serious, serious crime.”
Since the election of Prime Minister Modi in 2014, persecution has intensified across India. In the mindset of Modi and his party, the BJP, to be Indian is to be Hindu. Therefore, Christians and other minorities are looked down upon and discriminated against. Especially in rural communities, non-Hindus can be blamed for any bad thing that happens in a village. They can be ostracized simply for being Christian.
One of our trusted partners shared the immediate impact of this new anti-conversion law in India:
“This has certainly changed things for pastors and Christians in the state of Uttarakhand. Many of them have deleted their social media. I have heard of some who plan to leave the state as well. No one is willing to come forward and speak about it because of fear.”
Another partner highlighted the broader implications, fearing a ripple effect across India:
“Certainly, this is going to affect the house church movement there initially. Later, the established church there will be affected as the amendment does talk about seizing properties. So even a false case will be enough to do so.”
“Talking to our partners in the field, we know that pastors and others have been deleting their YouTube sermons, deleting their social media,” Orme added. “Some are preparing to leave the state because they feel like it’s going to get much worse. So this is impacting the church in a really deep way.”
Yet, even in these trials, the spirit of Christ shines through.
Our partner affirmed with fearless faith, "No matter the effects of this, the work will go on. Persecution is a part of Christian life, whether great or small. We need to be careful, but if it comes, praise the Lord. His name is glorified—no matter what."
This powerful testimony reminds us that our God is sovereign, even in the face of adversity.
In light of this new anti-conversion law in India, now, more than ever, our brothers and sisters in Uttarakhand need our prayers and we need to engage with their stories.
Pray for courage, wisdom and protection for pastors and other Christians in Uttarakhand. Pray that the faith of Christians in Uttarakhand will remain unshakeable, even as persecution intensifies. Pray that through every challenge, God's name will be glorified, and the Gospel will continue to advance like rivers of life, transforming hearts and communities.
“Don’t read the news of what’s happening in India just as news,” Orme said. “Engage with it through your persecuted family. Pray for your persecuted family across India. There are many strong believers who are persevering and resilient through this and still the church is growing. God still uses persecution to scatter, to grow, to strengthen the church.”
