Mission India literacy class
India (MNN) ― The Rajasthan State Assembly has passed a new anti-conversion bill after a previous attempt failed.
It's a controversial bill because it states that if a group is found to be "contemplating" the use of money for converting people, its registration can be cancelled.
However, the governor has hinted this one may suffer the same fate as its sister. The current bill is now awaiting the approval of current Indian President Prathiba Patil.
Anti-conversion laws are in force in four states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Himachal Pradesh. Similar laws also exist in Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh but have not been implemented.
Concerns have grown over the new version of the bill. It broadens its anti-conversion scope to include women, children, Dalits and tribals. Christian groups fear these changes would provide the pretext for numerous complaints against Christian organizations.
Dave Stravers with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India says this bill targets their audience. "The Holy Spirit is moving in the hearts of Christians who are living there, even though they're outnumbered. They're very active. They're very committed. They're very loyal. This is an attempt to intimidate them and say, 'You shouldn't be doing this. You could be arrested.' People's lives may be threatened. Just the fact that the law exists will also embolden Hindu extremists who may take the law into their own hands."
Stravers urges prayer. "Christians are of two minds here. On the one hand, they're praying hard that this law won't pass. On the other hand, they're rejoicing because this is just another evidence that the Gospel is being received in the communities of Rajasthan like it never was before."
Pray for believers who continue in their work, that God would protect them. Pray, too, that He would raise up compassionate leaders in the legislative elections later this year.
