Aggression against Christians continues unabated in various forms in different parts of India. Several groups of the majority community regularly attack Christian gatherings and their church buildings. During Christmas they even assaulted the vendors who were selling Christmas related materials. During Easter in Patna, Bihar, a mob attacked a gathering and vandalized the venue.
In Odissa not only they assaulted a Lord's servant, they forced him to eat cow dung and drink sewage water. The irony is that the assailants themselves call the police to take actions against the victims.
Anti-Conversion laws
Apart from such mob attacks, it seems the authorities are targeting Christians through new legislations and law amendments. Already 13 states in India have passed anti-conversion laws, out of which the recent ones are the most stringent.
According to the latest legislation by the state of Maharashtra, anyone who wants to convert or organize a conversion ceremony must give 60 days' notice to the authorities and once the conversion is over it must be registered within 21 days.
Any 'unlawful' conversion is a cognizable and non-bailable offence for which the punishment will be up to 7 years' imprisonment and rupees five lakh penalty. If the offence is involving women, minors, scheduled casts and scheduled tribes or persons with disabilities, the penalty will be higher.
'Unlawful' refers to allurement, coercion, deceit, force, inducement, misrepresentation, and other fraudulent means, even 'brainwashing' through education. Glorifying one religion over another in order to influence a conversion also is now an offence.
This law regards persons who assist an individual to convert 'unlawfully' as aiding and abetting the offence. This includes anyone who counsel, persuade, or assist the convert in manner.
Rulings and Control
There are certain court rulings also that adversely affect Christians in India. The recently introduced 'Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' is also seen as a government effort to control Christian institutions and even to indirectly take over the church owned assets.
Recently in Dungarpur, Rajasthan, authorities have revoked the recognition of a Catholic owned secondary school alleging that the school is influencing students towards Christianity. Despite the vehement rejection of allegations by the management as well as the parents, authorities have ordered to shift the students to nearby schools and close the institution.
All these developments point towards an alarming situation in India as far as Christians are concerned. Never have we seen such hostility and opposition from the public as well as the ruling classes.
As the days go by the animosity towards the followers of Christ are only increasing. Social media comments reveal the gravity of their anger towards Christians, particularly missionaries. The root case of course is ignorance coupled with false narratives by those who oppose the gospel of Christ.
Let us pray earnestly for a change and that at the same time God's people may have the discernment to act with wisdom and care in the midst of such antagonistic environment. G&B
