Church leaders in Madhya Pradesh, India gave thanks to God for answered prayers as seven pastors sentenced in June to five years’ imprisonment were granted bail on 18 August.
The High Court in Jabalpur was told that none of the pastors had any previous criminal record and granted them leave to appeal their convictions under Madhya Pradesh’s anti-conversion law.
They were each granted bail of 20,000 rupees (£62; $74; €68) and told to return to court on 7 January 2027.
The seven pastors were welcomed by supporters as they were freed from jail
The pastors were given a heroes’ welcome by supporters as they stepped out of Dindori District Jail.
“We thank God for His grace and answer to prayer,” exclaimed one supporter.
“When these servants were sentenced, all their family members, their churches, and the wider Christian community were deeply disappointed and distressed.”
Barnabas supporters provide legal aid
The gifts of Barnabas Aid supporters provided funding for legal costs and continue to support the pastors’ families during the judicial process.
The pastors – Santosh Paraste, 22, Sanjay Markam, 20, Amit Kumar, 24, Pramod, 28, Karan Singh Maravi, 40, Chhot Singh Dhurve, 49, and Jeet Singh Dhurve, 48 – were arrested in April 2024 as they attended a girl’s fifth birthday party.
They were charged under the Madhya Pradesh anti-conversion law. This was despite an assurance given by the girl’s parents that the party was purely a social occasion.
The Madhya Pradesh anti-conversion law – officially, Freedom of Religion Bill – prohibits seeking converts through force or coercion.
Thirteen Indian states have anti-conversion laws.
Extremists often wrongly believe that such laws criminalise all conversions from Hinduism, or even that they outlaw any form of Christian evangelism or worship.
How you can pray
Give thanks to God that the seven pastors have been granted bail and freed from jail. Ask that they will receive His peace, strength, protection and wisdom throughout the appeal process. Pray that truth and justice will prevail.
