Stop worship services or go to prison, the dilemma of pastors in India

“We are concerned for our congregations about what would happen on Sunday if the administration took away our rights. Where should we go?”

In Uttar Pradesh, India, authorities in the Basti district have asked pastors to cease their religious activities unless prior permission is given by the district magistrate. If they violate this law, pastors will be liable to imprisonment.

Accused of receiving foreign funds, the pastors were summoned by the local police.

One of the pastors present expressed his concern to International Christian Concern.

“We are concerned for our congregations about what would happen on Sunday if the administration took away our rights. Where should we go?”

According to American Commission for International Religious Freedom, “conditions of religious freedom in India are deteriorating, with national and various state governments tolerating widespread harassment and violence against religious minorities.”

MC