Faith
India Tightens Laws Against Christian Converts
Faith Facts
- Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, may now hand down life imprisonment for anyone convicted of breaking anti-conversion laws.
- These laws extend to promoting conversion online or through foreign funding, and even speaking favorably about another faith over one’s own.
- Christian groups warn the changes threaten religious liberty and put believers at risk of persecution.
Christian freedom in India faces serious threats, with state laws increasing penalties for those sharing their faith. This amendment in Uttarakhand is expected to pass, setting a precedent for other states and increasing pressure on Christian believers.
Local Christians say the laws are easily abused and can criminalize simple acts of charity as inducements to convert. Accounts highlight that following Christ in India now brings challenges and potential suffering as believers seek to stand firm in their faith.
Persecution watchdogs report India ranks among the harshest countries for believers, making it more important than ever to defend religious freedom for all and support Christians facing unjust discrimination.