Mobs are targeting Christian households, led by aggressive Hindu vigilantes known for their hardline approach. Churches are vandalised, pastors are beaten or abused. Congregations are broken up by mobs and believers hospitalised with injuries. The police raid church services to threaten and arrest congregations. This persecution coincides with renewed attention on a longstanding claim that a string of forced conversions are taking place in Chhattisgarh. Speeches, rallies and press statements have openly attacked Christian pastors and believers for allegedly converting tens of thousands of people from tribal communities and poor, lower-caste Hindu families. They are alleged (without evidence) to have been lured into churches by proselytising pastors offering cash payments, free medical assistance, and foreign trips, funded by foreign donors. Dozens of ‘anti-conversion’ rallies have been held in the past month.
India: false allegations and violence against Christians
Written by David Fletcher 08 Oct 2021Additional Info
- Pray: for the 500,000 believers in Chhattisgarh to be protected, and for the converts to be believed when they say they come to church of their own accord seeking community. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
- More: www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/04/india-christians-living-in-fear-claims-forced-conversions