State in India Tightens Controls on Conversions

In spite of a national minority panel report confirming violence against Christians in the north-central state of Madhya Pradesh, the state government today passed an amendment making stricter the “anti-conversion” law that has increased persecution of Christians. The amendment, introduced in the House assembly on Friday (July 21), requires clergy and “prospective converts” to notify authorities of the intent to change religion one month before a “conversion ceremony.” Currently the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act of 1968 requires that notice be sent within seven days of conversion. Under the amendment, once advance notification has been received, authorities will decide whether the conversion is “forced” or “by allurement.” The amended law must be signed by the governor before becoming law. “This violates the fundamental right of the people, as it is the government which would decide if a person can be converted or not,” according to Indira Iyengar, member of the Madhya Pradesh Minorities Commission.

A few days ago I received Central India Prayer request

The Madhya Pradesh state government has tabled a one year jail term and Rs. 5000/- ($100) against any people involved in conversion activities. This bill is most likely to be passed next week in the monsoon session of the state parliament at the Bhopal state capital.

Please, immediately multiply intercessors.

The situation for the Christians are getting worse, but the Kingdom of God will advance in spite of all kinds of diffictulties the believers are facing!