The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on March 16 passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, despite opposition from Christian groups and some political parties. The bill will become law after approval by the Legislative Council and the state governor.

The move makes Maharashtra the latest state to introduce a law regulating religious conversions. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government supported the bill, saying it aims to prevent conversions through force, fraud, coercion, or inducement.

The law proposes strict punishments. It includes up to seven years in jail and a fine of 100,000 rupees for illegal conversions linked to marriage. The penalty is higher if the case involves women, minors, or people from tribal or Dalit communities. Repeat offenders can face up to 10 years in prison.

Christian leaders and activists have raised concerns about the bill. They fear it could be misused to target minorities and restrict religious freedom. Some have also said the law may create fear among interfaith couples, as complaints can be filed easily.

Another concern is the requirement for people to give advance notice before converting. Critics say this may violate personal freedom and privacy. They also warn that vague terms like “inducement” could affect charitable activities such as education and healthcare services.

Legal experts have pointed out that making such offences non-bailable may lead to misuse in sensitive situations.

Church groups and civil society organizations have urged the government to reconsider the provisions and ensure that the law does not harm religious harmony or individual rights.

Christian leaders in Chhattisgarh have expressed serious concern after a teenage Christian boy was allegedly assaulted by a mob and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”

A video of the incident, reportedly from Champa district, appeared on social media on March 18. It shows the boy being slapped, held by his collar, and forced to repeat the slogan while being surrounded by a group. The video has caused outrage, with many people condemning the act as religious coercion.

Local police said they were not aware of the incident and confirmed that no official complaint had been filed at the time. Christian leaders, however, said such incidents are becoming more frequent and are creating fear among the community.

They also raised concern about a proposed amendment to the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, which aims to prevent forced religious conversions. While the government says the law is meant to protect vulnerable groups, many Christians fear it could be misused and increase pressure on minorities.

In recent months, there have been reports of attacks on Christian families in different parts of the state. Some families have been beaten, threatened, or forced to leave their homes.

Reports from groups such as the United Christian Forum indicate that many incidents targeting Christians were recorded in the state in 2024 and 2025.

Christians make up less than two percent of the state’s population. Leaders say this makes the community more vulnerable and have called for stronger action to ensure safety, peace, and protection of religious freedom.

Bishop Emeritus Jerome Dhas Varuvel of the Diocese of Kuzhithurai passed away on March 24 at the age of 74. He died at 1:30 am at the Care Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Chennai.

The bishop had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Dementia and was under treatment at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai in recent months.

His funeral was scheduled for March 25 at the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kuzhithurai, located in Kanyakumari district.

Born on October 21, 1951, in Paduvoor in the Kottar diocese, Bishop Varuvel began his early education in Nagercoil. He later joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1976 and made his perpetual profession in 1981.

He pursued higher studies in Rome and was ordained a priest on June 2, 1985, by Pope John Paul II. Over the years, he served in various roles, including rector, teacher, and administrator in different Salesian institutions.

In 2014, the Diocese of Kuzhithurai was established, and he became its first bishop in 2015. He led the diocese until his resignation in 2020 due to ill health.

The region has a deep Christian history linked to Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint Francis Xavier.

Bishop Varuvel is remembered for his dedicated service, simple life, and pastoral care.

On a quiet hilltop in Kerala, St. Ephrem’s Sports Academy has been transforming young lives through sports and values for more than two decades. Guided by Carmelite priest Father Antony Kanjirathinkal, the academy has become a strong center for nurturing talent, especially in basketball.

Founded in 2003 under St. Ephrem’s Higher Secondary School in Mannanam, Kottayam, the academy has produced over 100 national-level players and at least five international players. Many students come from rural and coastal areas with limited opportunities. The academy offers them free coaching, education, accommodation, and meals.

Father Kanjirathinkal believes sports can change lives. Along with training, he focuses on discipline, confidence, teamwork, and spiritual growth. “Play well and study well,” he tells his students, stressing the importance of both education and sports.

The academy, set near the shrine of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, combines prayer and sports in daily life. What began as a small basketball program has grown into a multi-sport center offering football, cricket, and boxing.

Several former students have reached national and international levels, crediting the academy for their success. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the academy won nine championships and earned many state-level medals.

The academy has also gained international attention, with foreign coaches visiting to train students. Despite its growth, it remains focused on its mission of service.

Father Kanjirathinkal hopes to develop it into a world-class sports center, giving more young people the chance to build a better future through sports.

The Catholic Church in northeastern India is mourning the passing of Mother Mary Rose Thapa, the first native superior general of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. She died on March 22 at 6:10 am in Guwahati, Assam, due to age-related illness. She was 91.

Mother Thapa had received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick a day before her death at the congregation’s provincial house, where she had been living a quiet retirement life. She spent much of her time in prayer before the Eucharist.

Her funeral Mass was held on March 24 at the congregation’s cemetery in Mawlai, near Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The congregation described her passing as a peaceful surrender to the Lord and expressed deep gratitude for her long and dedicated service.

Church leaders remembered her as a woman of deep faith, humility, and missionary zeal. Her life was seen as a strong witness to prayer, service, and commitment to the Gospel. Many also recalled her simplicity, warmth, and gentle leadership.

Born on March 11, 1935, in Nepal as Lakshmi Thapa, she came from a Hindu family. She later embraced the Catholic faith and was baptized in 1953. She joined the congregation and made her religious profession in 1956.

She served as superior general for 18 years from 1970, guiding the congregation during a key period of growth. Under her leadership, the mission expanded widely, especially among rural and tribal communities.

Her life continues to inspire many across the Church.

Sister Jean Rose has become the first Catholic nun to serve as a medical officer in a government hospital in Kerala. A member of the Sisters of the Destitute, she works at the Community Health Centre in Marayoor, a remote tribal area in Idukki district.

Usually, Catholic nuns with medical degrees serve in Church-run hospitals. However, Sister Rose chose to work in the government sector to reach people in remote regions where doctors are few. She holds a master’s degree in medicine from St. John’s Medical College.

At 52, she attends to more than 200 outpatients daily and regularly visits tribal families living deep inside forests. Since there are no inpatient facilities, she travels to patients’ homes, often using a two-wheeler. Her work includes medical care, immunization drives, surveys, and palliative care.

Marayoor is known for its cold climate and lack of facilities, making it difficult for many doctors to stay. The centre is often understaffed, increasing her workload. Despite facing health issues and risks while traveling through forest areas, she continues her mission with dedication.

Sister Rose said her decision was inspired by a desire to serve the poor and live out her congregation’s mission of compassionate care. She believes working in a government hospital allows her to reach more people, regardless of religion or background.

Supported by her congregation, she balances her role as a religious sister and government doctor. For her, this work is not just a job, but a ministry of service and love to the poorest.

Catholic organizations in Kerala have raised strong objections to the scheduling of national-level entrance examinations on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday, urging authorities to reconsider the dates.

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) on March 23 called on officials to withdraw the plan to conduct all-India engineering entrance exams on these important Christian feast days. The council said the decision affects the religious freedom of Christian students.

Council president Varghese Chakkalakal stated that holding exams on such sacred days forces students to choose between their faith and their academic future. The council stressed that these days are central to Christian worship and spiritual life.

The KCBC also said it would take up the issue with the Government of India and the National Testing Agency, requesting that the exams be rescheduled to more suitable dates.

The Catholic Congress also expressed concern, calling the decision insensitive to the Christian minority. Its leaders said such scheduling creates unnecessary hardship and ignores the importance of religious observances.

Youth representatives added that the exam dates affect students emotionally, as they are unable to fully take part in important church celebrations during Holy Week. Catholic groups have urged authorities to take immediate corrective steps and ensure that future exam schedules respect religious diversity. They emphasized that sensitivity to all faiths is important to protect constitutional values and maintain harmony in society.