Two Christian evangelists in central India have been charged with carrying out allegedly unlawful religious conversions after they were beaten by extremists.
Both are now in hiding for their own safety.
“Rahul” and “Sachin” were attending a time of prayer when a mob of around 40 extremists attacked them, leaving both injured. Rahul was hospitalised for three days.
An Indian church building destroyed in 2008. Christians in some parts of India often experience violent persecution at the hands of extremists [Image credit: All India Christian Council/Wikipedia]
Around a month after the incident, the pair learned that a report had been made against them at a local police station.
Both were charged under their state’s Freedom of Religion legislation (commonly known an anti-conversion law), which regulates religious conversions and criminalises those believed to be obtained through force, fraud or allurement.
Extremists often wrongly believe that such laws criminalise all conversions from Hinduism, or even that they outlaw any form of Christian evangelism or worship.
The context for religious minorities in India is complex; some states are pursuing an aggressive anti-Christian agenda, while others promote tolerance and coexistence.
How you can pray
Ask the Lord to protect “Rahul” and “Sachin” from further harm. Pray that justice will be done, and that authorities will accept that sharing the Gospel does not violate the law. Pray also for the safety of other believers in this region of India.
