2 hrs ago
Chhattisgarh Churches Warn Non-Christians Amid Anti-Conversion Law Tensions
Several churches in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, have put up warnings for people who are not Christian.
The notices say that non-Christians may enter for prayers only by their own choice and responsibility.
Church leaders say they did this because some non-Christians have told the government they attend prayers voluntarily.
They also say prayer meetings have faced disruptions and that tensions have grown over alleged religious conversions.
A new state law requires people who want to change religions to submit a declaration.
At a September 15 peace meeting, some groups objected to non-Christians attending church prayers.
Church representatives said people should be free to visit a church if they choose.
A BJP spokesperson said tribal communities oppose conversion because it can divide people and weaken their culture.
More than 10 churches in Dhamtari have displayed notices warning non-Christians to enter for prayers at their own responsibility.
The notices followed applications by non-Christians declaring that they were voluntarily attending church prayers.
Chhattisgarh’s anti-conversion law requires people seeking to change religion to submit a declaration to the authorities.
Christian leaders say the warnings are precautionary responses to disruptions, communal tensions and alleged pressure from right-wing groups.
A BJP spokesperson said the issue reflects tribal opposition to conversion and concerns that it divides communities and weakens tribal culture.
- Who
- Churches and Christian community leaders in Dhamtari; non-Christian visitors; right-wing and tribal groups; and the Chhattisgarh government.
- What
- Churches have posted warnings restricting or cautioning non-Christians who attend prayers, amid disputes over conversion and religious gatherings.
- Where
- Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh, including Sunderganj Mennonite Church and private homes used for prayers.
- When
- The notices were put up over the preceding month and were reinforced after a September 15 peace meeting.
- Why
- Church leaders describe the notices as a precaution against disruption and conflict, while government supporters cite concerns about conversion, social division and tribal culture.
Church Representatives
Law Supporters and Opposing Groups
Access to prayer meetings
Church Representatives
Christian leaders say non-Christians should be free to attend church prayers voluntarily and that the notices are precautionary rather than a way to stop visitors.
Law Supporters and Opposing Groups
Representatives of groups including Bajrang Dal and Sarva Adivasi Samaj objected to non-Christians attending prayers, according to the Christian community leader.
Reason for the notices
Church Representatives
Church leaders attribute the warnings to disruptions at prayer meetings, communal tensions and fear that police may not take strong action.
Law Supporters and Opposing Groups
A BJP spokesperson said the issue is a social concern about religious conversion, which he said divides tribal communities and causes people to give up their culture.
Religious freedom and regulation
Church Representatives
Christian leaders said the September 15 meeting did not uphold constitutional freedom of religion and that they cannot prevent people from visiting churches by choice.
Law Supporters and Opposing Groups
Supporters of the state law say the government has enacted rules requiring declarations from people who seek to convert, and that groups conducting conversions oppose the law.
Key facts
- Affected churches
- More than 10 churches in Dhamtari reportedly displayed similar warnings.
- Example church
- Sunderganj Mennonite Church is a 125-year-old church in Dhamtari district.
- New law
- Chhattisgarh’s anti-conversion law requires people seeking to change religion to submit a declaration to the competent authority.
- Self-declarations
- Christian leaders said more than 1,000 people submitted declarations saying they attended prayers voluntarily.
- Peace meeting
- Dhamtari police held a meeting on September 15 involving Christian representatives, Bajrang Dal and Sarva Adivasi Samaj.
- Community explanation
- Christian leaders said the warnings were intended as a precaution against disruptions and alleged pressure.
- Government-supporter view
- A BJP spokesperson said tribal opposition to conversion is linked to concerns about division and loss of tribal culture.
Quotes
Dhamtari church notice
Hindi notice displayed outside Sunderganj Mennonite Church
“According to rules, only Christians are allowed to enter this church for prayers. If others come of their own freewill, they would be held responsible (for their choice),”
indianexpress.com
“It’s not a right-wing or left-wing issue. It’s not a political issue either. It is a social issue.”
indianexpress.com
Dr Diamond Filus
General secretary of the Dhamtari District Christian Forum
“As a precautionary measure, we have asked our community members to put up the banners outside their homes where people come for prayers.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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