India (MNN) — India’s Hindu nationalist push – led primarily by the Bharatiya Janata Party – is creating legalized persecution.

Though India’s constitution guarantees an individual’s right to choose their own religion, “We do see states where the BJP is the strongest starting to enact stronger, more stringent anti-conversion laws: Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan,” John Pudaite with Bibles For The World says.

“These are states that have a BJP party in power or a coalition in power.”

Anti-conversion laws make it illegal to change your faith, and they penalize the people who introduce you to a different religion.

“They position these laws often under the title of Freedom of Religion Act, and it’s actually the exact opposite,” Pudaite says.

“It’s meant to restrict people from exercising their ability to practice the religion of their choice.”

These new laws broaden the scope of activities considered “conversion,” putting more believers at risk.

“Anything they do, whether they post something on social media or they meet together in a home and have a time of prayer and worship, these things now can be considered as offenses,” Pudaite says.

Keep India’s Christians in your prayers. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage them. Request a free prayer guide from Bibles For The World to further inform your intercession.

“The immediate threat is how it emboldens the pro-Hindu, anti-Christian activists. With the government behind them, they can do things against Christians and know that there’ll be no prosecution,” Pudaite says.

“Pray for the leadership, for wisdom and strength in their faith, as well as the congregations, and that they may continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”

 

Header image courtesy of Bibles For The World.