A terrifying warning is haunting Christians in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The organization ‘Sava Adivasi Samaj’ held a meeting in the village of Chhotendongar with about 800 villagers, during which an ultimatum was issued: all Christians with a Hindu background must undergo a ‘Ghar Wapsi’ – a ceremony to celebrate a return to their traditional religion. Those who fail to do so by April 30th will face the consequences, they were warned.
Sarva Adivasi Samaj represents the interests of tribal communities in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. These efforts are supported by Hindutva groups, who seek to establish India as a Hindu nation.
The party’s threats refer to the recently passed Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act. This law replaces the 1968 Act and includes stricter rules to prevent illegal conversion, with penalties of up to more than seven years’ imprisonment.
During the April meeting, several village representatives claimed that attempts to convert people from their ancestral religion and customs were increasing. They unanimously declared that such forced conversions would no longer be tolerated within the community. Although no individuals were named, they demanded strict measures against Hindus who had converted to Christianity. The keynote speaker emphasised that this is not only a religious issue, but also a matter of survival.
Such meetings are held regularly to develop a strategy for bringing converts to Christianity back to their traditional religion.
Representatives of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj have urged the local authorities to intervene immediately in order to maintain peace and preserve the area’s traditions.
Due to mounting social pressure, a number of families have already indicated that they will undergo the ‘Ghar Wapsi’ ceremony. Other Christians are living in fear of large-scale protests and forced conversions as the deadline approaches. They desperately need our prayers at this time.
Prayer points
- Pray for tribal Christians with a Hindu background who are under pressure to return to the religion of their ancestors. Pray that they will remain steadfast in their faith.
- Pray for the authorities, that they may make honest and just decisions free from bias or political influence.
- Pray for strength and wisdom for church leaders in Chhattisgarh, as many of their congregants are recent converts who now face a difficult choice.
