Security
Why are Christians in India signing consent forms at places of worship?
BBC · 4 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
AI SUMMARY
Churches in Mumbai are asking congregants to sign consent forms confirming they attend voluntarily, following the enactment of a strict anti-conversion law in Maharashtra.
- Congregants in Mumbai and surrounding areas are being asked to sign documents stating they came to church of their own free will.
- Churches use these non-governmental forms as a defensive measure to protect against accusations of illegal religious conversion.
- The practice follows the implementation of a new anti-conversion law in Maharashtra that prohibits conversions achieved through force, fraud, or inducement.
- Illegal religious conversions under the new law can lead to imprisonment for up to seven years, and up to 10 years for repeat offenses.
- Critics argue the law's broad definitions and harsh penalties hinder voluntary conversions and allow police to interfere in private decisions and interfaith marriages.
- An investigation by The Indian Express reported that five Christian worship gatherings were disrupted around Mumbai, leading to nine police cases between April and July of last year.
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