INDIA: CHRISTIANS FACING INTENSE PRESSURE TO RECONVERT TO HINDUISM

Since an ultimatum was given on Thursday 30 April to tribal CHRISTIANS, cases of reconversion and threats against believers have been spreading across Chhattisgarh. Christians remain highly vulnerable to forced attendance at ‘Ghar Wapsi’ (reconversion) ceremonies, and some have sadly given in to the mounting pressure.

According to local news sources, four Christians from Bhanupratappur were reconverted, having been believers for 15 years. Another incident has arisen from Narayanpur, where a family reportedly reconverted before an audience of the village head and members of the community. In Kabirdham, a larger ‘Ghar Wapsi’ ceremony took place as part of a conference celebrating the return of Christians to their ancestral religion – sources say that around 200 individuals were reconverted.

In other parts of Chhattisgarh where tensions and pressures remain high, many Christians are clinging onto their faith but isolated from fellowship and the encouragement of visiting believers.

“Tribal Christians are facing immense pressure, emotional trauma and economic hardship from village leaders and Hindutva extremist groups,” says Dhruv Baiga*, Open Doors local partner. “If the tribal Christians do not yield to the pressure, they are socially boycotted from the village, and no one comes to their rescue. Pastors and missionaries are restricted from entering the villages, and outsiders are not allowed.

“As a result, many tribal Christians in Chhattisgarh live in fear and intimidation, choosing not to share their faith publicly. Despite this, some Christians continue to stand firm in their faith in Jesus despite the opposition and threats.”

These brothers and sisters in India desperately need your prayers amidst the immense challenges they are facing. Please pray using the points below…

*Name changed for security reasons. Images are illustrative.