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Eleven female evangelists arrested on false charges in India

The eleven Christian women had been running personal evangelism in villages across Bihar. They were accused of forcefully converting school children to Christianity.

Whilst preaching the gospel the women received permission from the school principal to supply Bibles and religious literature to students. A group of Hindu extremists halted and interrogated them when they were leaving the premises. A few of the fanatics called the police and reported the women for assertive conversion. 

Eighteen Christians – including some local men and women – were detained and interviewed. The chief of police decided to release them as he could not find any proof of illegal activity. However, a member of the local legislative assembly threatened to call in a massive protest and disable the town if the Christians were released. He also contacted the local news station and said that the evangelists had broken into the school without permission and forcefully converted the children. The news station released the story without interviewing the Christians. 

Pastor Binoy, who offered help to the women, confirmed that the accuser had also threatened the principal and coerced him to submit a false complaint against the evangelists. Pastor Binoy added: “The police also impounded our vehicles without any reason and have booked the case purely due to coercion of the Hindu fanatics.”

Hostility towards Christians in India derives from the belief that all Indians should to be Hindu, and any faith outside of Hinduism is not welcome. This results in violent attacks across the country. Perpetrators do not get punished, especially in areas where authorities are also Hindu. Several states implement anti-conversion laws, which increases hatred towards Christians. Many of those who share their faith can be accused of a crime, intimidated or assaulted.

Source: https://www.persecution.org/

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