Small churches are asking worshippers to sign self-declaration forms before prayer meetings
MUMBAI: With the implementation of the state’s Freedom of Religion Act or anti-conversion law set to start on Aug 28, some minority institutions are worried that social welfare initiatives or routine prayer meetings may be interpreted as attempts at religious conversion.
The new law imposes up to 10 years’ imprisonment for forced conversion and conversion by inducement. Pastor Devdan Tribhuvan, president, Christian Development Association, said, “The number of attacks against Christian prayer groups have increased in the past 12 years, and 15-20 attacks have occurred this past year. Cyril Dara, secretary, Christian Reform United People Association (CRUPA), recalled the video of an attack on a Christian prayer meeting in Kalachowkie on Dec 7, 2025, where 35 persons had entered a hall.
Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesperson of the archdiocese of Bombay, said, “Mainline or established churches do not face this problem, it is small churches meeting in commercial spaces or in residential areas that are facing it. On July 2, members of an organisation called Mumbai for Peace had met joint commissioner (law and order) Manoj Kumar Sharma to report “repeated incidents of disruption of prayer services” in different parts of the city. It gives police the authority to probe allegations of conversion based on third-party complaints. Police also make enquiries. This pattern has necessitated the signing of such forms. Dara, however, did not feel it was necessary for churches to seek self-declarations to protect themselves and worshippers, saying the law only targets forced conversions.