Faith
Rajasthan Law Spurs Violence Against Christians
Faith Facts
- Rajasthan’s new anti-conversion bill has sparked increased hostility toward Christians.
- Churches, pastors, and Christian institutions are facing harassment and legal scrutiny.
- Recent attacks align with similar patterns seen after anti-conversion laws in other states.
Christian leaders in Rajasthan are raising the alarm as anti-conversion legislation leads to a surge in violence from Hindu nationalist groups. These laws, promoted as safeguards against coercion, are being weaponized to target Christian communities, limiting religious freedom and undermining the practice of faith.
“As if on cue, attacks on Christians have escalated dramatically following passage of Rajasthan’s anti-conversion bill, mirroring patterns we’ve witnessed in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Jharkhand after similar legislation.”
The rise in assaults has left Christian institutions vulnerable to unjust investigations, closure, and suspicion, even for acts of charity. Over the past month, there have already been nine reported incidents of harassment and violence against believers.
“Pastors are being arrested and detained, while investigations target children’s homes, Bible colleges and house churches.
Even acts of Christian charity are now viewed with suspicion as potential conversion attempts, and any third party can file complaints that put the burden of proof on us.”
Christian citizens are facing an urgent struggle to worship and serve their communities as they hold fast to their faith under mounting scrutiny. Believers are called to pray for their brothers and sisters in India, advocate for religious freedom, and continue standing strong in biblical truth.
Faith Facts
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines is home to 14 congregations of the Churches of Christ, spanning the main island and the Grenadines.
- Attendance and youth participation have declined as denominational competition grows and young people depart.
- God often uses those who feel small, as demonstrated through stories of faithful Christians on islands worldwide and the biblical account of Gideon.
Before sharing spiritual lessons in St. Vincent, brother Maxwell Ince offered a heartfelt prayer, seeking attentiveness among listeners.
The southern tip of St. Vincent, with its volcanic beaches, provided a stunning backdrop for a gathering of believers seeking encouragement and renewal.
Though not a preacher or traditional reporter, my focus was to share spiritual insights gained from years of covering stories that impact the Kingdom.
St. Vincent’s congregations have faced hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and a decline in membership, yet their commitment to the Gospel endures.
Katra Walker’s work in women’s prison ministry highlights practical ways believers put faith into action, following in the steps of those who have served before her.
Meeting believers on Bequia and learning about missions in the Caribbean echoed the long tradition of outreach that began in the 1960s.
Many Christians here feel small or insignificant, but as I reminded them through the story of Gideon in Judges 7, God delights to use the faithful few for mighty purposes.
I offered evangelism ideas from experiences in Africa, such as serving underserved populations as a pathway to sharing Christ’s love.
Let us be reminded that in God’s economy, even those who seem least are valuable and can be used powerfully for His purposes.
Stand firm in faith and continue lifting one another up, knowing the Lord sees and blesses every act done for His glory.
Faith Facts
- Believers in St. Lucia honored the memory of Botham Jean at the Gros Islet Church of Christ.
- The Botham Jean Foundation continues to support youth and seniors based on Christian charity.
- Churches of Christ in Dallas and St. Lucia have built bridges and strengthened community ties.
On a Sunday morning in St. Lucia, Christians gathered at the Gros Islet Church of Christ, united in worship and fellowship. Members welcomed each other warmly and prepared for the Lord’s Supper with reverence, led by Pastor Dilian J. Bellot, who preached about God’s unchanging truth.
Young Desean Louis-Fernand lifted his voice in song, inspired by his late cousin Botham Jean, whose leadership and faith left a lasting mark on both St. Lucia and Dallas. Desean’s memory of Botham’s kindness and encouragement highlights the impact of strong Christian role models.
The Botham Jean Foundation, established in his honor, continues his legacy by providing resources to youth in need and caring for the elderly. The foundation’s Red Tie Gala was held in St. Lucia for the first time, welcoming guests from Dallas and beyond to celebrate Christian service and unity.
Emory Tease, a church elder from Dallas, described the deep sense of loss after Botham’s passing, but also praised how faith brought together believers of different backgrounds to work together as one body in Christ.
Through tragedy, these congregations found renewed fellowship, celebrating their shared values and commitment to Christian love. Let us keep praying for unity, honoring faith, family, and freedom in every community.
Faith Facts
- Chanelle Alvarez, just 15, was fatally shot in her home, allegedly by her 16-year-old boyfriend, in Ogden, Utah.
- Her pastor described her as a joyful, compassionate young woman who brought life to those around her.
- The suspect faces multiple charges, including murder, while the tragedy highlights the ongoing need for strong, faith-based families and community bonds.
The heartbreaking loss of Chanelle Alvarez reminds us to pray fervently for our youth and to stand guard against the darkness threatening our families.
Her family’s courage in calling attention to domestic violence urges us, as Christians, to protect the vulnerable with wisdom and love rooted in Biblical truth.
Pastor Jeff Stephenson said,
“She was an absolutely spectacular young woman. So much life.”
As we mourn this loss, let us work to foster homes filled with God’s love, safety, and upright values—standing against violence and raising a generation anchored in faith.
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