Anti-conversion laws in India are increasingly used to target individuals and communities of different faiths. The laws – enforced in 11 states across India – claim to protect freedom of religion, but in reality they are used to punish people who want to practice a religion of their choice. Even in states where they are not officially enforced, the laws are used to intimidate religious minorities.
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Sunday 29 June
Jose and Sheeja Pappachan were convicted under anti-conversion laws in Uttar Pradesh, in relation to their distributing the Bible, encouraging children to get an education, and encouraging villagers not to drink alcohol. The Christian couple were fined and sentenced to five years in prison in January before being granted bail in February. Pray for their full acquittal and well-being.
Monday 30 June
Ask God to cultivate integrity amongst judges and officials in India’s legal system so that the law would no longer be wielded as a tool of oppression. Pray for leaders who are willing to speak on behalf of religious minorities in the justice system, holding local authorities to account.
Tuesday 1 July
‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.’ (Isaiah 54:17) Intercede for India’s Christian communities who are facing harassment and violence. Ask God to be a shield of protection around them, and silence false accusations and hate speech.
Wednesday 2 July
In February this year, a Sunday service in Rajasthan was violently disrupted by a mob of over 200 people, who vandalised the church and attacked the Christians inside. Pray for their continued physical and emotional healing, and for the community to be strengthened in unity and faith.
Thursday 3 July
Worship services and religious gatherings across India are being disrupted by the authorities and far-right religious nationalists, who are misusing the anti-conversion laws as a pretence. Pray that these disruptions would cease and that communities might assemble without fear, knowing peace as they worship.
Friday 4 July
CSW’s India Researcher warned that ‘the radicalisation of youth is a huge concern, and something that not a lot of people are talking about… Most extremist Hindu nationalist groups have student wings that act as the hands and feet of the organisations.’ Pray that India’s youth would not be influenced by anti-Muslim or anti-Christian sentiments; that the next generation would grow up to seek peace, justice and harmony.
Saturday 5 July
Holy Father, we long to see freedom flourish across India. We pray that laws, such as anti-conversion legislation, would no longer be weaponised against religious minorities. By your love and spirit, would communities find common ground, mutual respect and creative ways to live in harmony with one another. Amen.
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