Town Bans Promotion of Any Religion Except Hinduism

30 August 2006 0 minutes read

^{Shrine to Hindu god, Venkateshwara}

Each year, millions of pilgrims journey to the town of Tirupati in the Chitoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India to visit its sacred Hindu sites. Especially prominent is the nearby shrine to the Hindu god, Lord Venkateshwara in the hills of Tirumala. According to an August 21 report from the Hindustan Times, a number of Hindu pilgrims complained to authorities after Christians were found preaching near the shrine and handing out pamphlets. The state government has responded by introducing legislation that would ban the propagation of any faith other than Hinduism in the area. If the legislation is passed, those preaching any other religion could face imprisonment and fines of 2000 rupees ($48.00 CAN). Those attempting to convert people to religions other than Hinduism could be imprisoned for two years.

While India is officially a secular nation, the dominance of Hinduism affects many aspects of the culture and is the basis for anti-conversion legislation in several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh. A state legislation that only allows for the preaching of Hinduism, however, completely contradicts India's secular constitution.

Pray that, like the first century Christians, Indian Christians will actually become bolder witnesses because of the increased persecution (Acts 4:29-31). Pray that they will respond with love and compassion toward those who oppose them (Romans 12:17-21). Pray that those who are working to enforce anti-conversion laws will be saved by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.

India

India Information

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund
Country Information
Population
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)

Religion (%)
Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)

Leader
President Droupadi Murmu (2022)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for India
Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.