Christian leaders have expressed concerns over curbs on religious freedom after the government in India’s second-most populous Maharashtra state announced plans to enact a law to tackle alleged conversions. The reactions came after the state’s Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told the state legislature on July 9 about the plan for introducing a stringent anti-conversion law.
“A strict law to prevent religious conversions will be enacted in the state,” Bawankule from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly told fellow lawmakers. He said the move came following allegations of Christians converting poor Hindus and tribal people in the state.
The minister said he would speak to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on how to bring about an anti-conversion law with stringent provisions, but did not elaborate on a timeline. If the law is enacted, Maharashtra would become the 13th state in India to enforce the anti-conversion law. Most of these states are ruled by the BJP and its allies.
A Family Where Faith Inspired Six Sisters to Religious Life
In the mist-covered hills of Venappara in Kerala, the Kallidukkil family became a remarkable witness to faith and vocation. Thomas and Thresiamma Kallidukkil raised their
