INDIA: Supreme Court Decisions Bring Hope of Change

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, The Hindu, The Siasat Daily, Zenit

The Supreme Court of India. Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (CC)

A ruling issued on October 17th by India's Supreme Court has brought relief to several believers in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The court reviewed multiple cases filed against Christians under the state's anti-conversion law and ultimately dismissed all charges, stating that "the criminal law cannot be allowed to be made a tool of harassment of innocent persons."

The 158-page ruling examined critical deficiencies in each of the cases, including the absence of complaints from the so-called "victims" of the alleged conversions. The court referred to aspects of Uttar Pradesh's 2021 anti-conversion legislation as "onerous" and "intrusive," although it clarified that the constitutionality of the law itself was not being ruled upon at this time.

In a separate statement, the Supreme Court announced on November 3rd that it will hear two formal petitions challenging the anti-conversion legislation that recently passed in several of the country's states. Prior to this announcement, the court had issued notices to the respective state governments in September, requesting their official responses regarding the existing anti-conversion law. (For further information about the issued notices, see VOMC's previously published report.)

• Praise God that the mentioned cases in Uttar Pradesh have been overturned, resulting in the dismissal of all charges against these innocent Christians.
• Pray for the many other previously convicted followers of Jesus in India who are still awaiting court decisions. May God's peace guard their hearts and minds, and may His strength continually sustain them as they face uncertainty amid the ongoing legal challenges.
• Ask the Lord to sovereignly guide the Supreme Court justices as they consider the broader implications of the country's anti-conversion law, leading them to seek a path that will both uphold justice and protect religious freedom.

CHINA: Government Offers Rewards for Information on Christian Activities

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

A church in China. Photo: ChinaAid

Amid ongoing oppression against believers in China, authorities in Shigunhe Town, Henan Province, have intensified their efforts to suppress Christian activities by targeting unregistered churches. Residents have been urged to report "privately established religious venues" and "illegal religious activities," with incentives offered for submitting evidence such as photos, videos and audio recordings. Individuals providing such information have been offered a cash reward of 500 yuan (approximately $100 CAD).

While similar campaigns have occurred in other parts of Henan, they seldom receive media coverage. These measures reflect a broader pattern of religious repression in China, particularly against followers of Jesus who worship outside of the state-sanctioned churches.
To review other reports addressing Christian persecution in China, go to our country report.

• Pray for guidance and wisdom on behalf of Christians in Shigunhe Town, and those residing in other areas of China, as they seek to follow Christ faithfully amid increasing surveillance and pressures.
• Ask the Lord to convict the Communist authorities involved in the intensifying oppression, as well as those who are compliantly supplying them information on Christian activities.
• May God continue to provide strength and encouragement to believers who are patiently awaiting their release from imprisonment, filling them with His peace that "surpasses all understanding" even in the midst of hardship (Philippians 4:7).

INDIA: Oppression Against Christian Missionaries

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, The Indian Express

A bus in India. Photo: Wikimedia / Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation (CC)

Two recent incidents in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (located within India's larger Kashmir region) demonstrate the growing challenges faced by those sharing the Gospel in northern India.

On October 23rd, several Christian missionaries travelling by bus were suddenly attacked after leaving a home in the village of Juthana. An opposing group, consisting of about 10 individuals, forced the vehicle to stop before assaulting the believers with sticks and other weapons. A video recording of the incident shows that, apart from one officer, police at the scene failed to intervene. News sources indicate that between 10 to 15 Christians were targeted in the attack.

The assailants claimed that the missionaries – who had travelled from southern India – were forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. However, no evidence of forced conversions was ever presented. Following the incident, eight police officers were suspended for negligence, and charges had been filed against the alleged perpetrators.

Just three days later, authorities announced that a group of Christian missionaries was under investigation for allegedly promoting religious conversions within the area. Officers stated that a few residents of Juthana claimed that poor villagers were offered money and aid as incentives to embrace Christianity. At last report, no arrests have been made in relation to this case, and it remains unclear whether the accused believers are the same missionaries who were attacked on October 23rd.

Allegations of forced conversions continue to be a tactic that's commonly used in several areas of India to oppress religious minorities.
Additional reports addressing this concern are available at VOMCanada.com/India.htm.

• Pray for God's healing and comfort to be manifested in the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters who were physically and emotionally wounded during the recently occurring bus attack.
• Ask the Lord to nurture the seeds of the Gospel that these missionaries had compassionately planted in the hearts of the Juthana villagers, praying that they will take root, grow and bear much lasting good fruit.
• May the Lord protect and strengthen all those who are faithfully sharing the Gospel in India, sustaining these ministry workers with needed courage, wisdom and grace – especially when serving in difficult and dangerous regions of the country.