Seven Indian Pastors Imprisoned Under Anti-Conversion Law

Seven Indian pastors in Madhya Pradesh have been sentenced to five years in prison and fined after being convicted under the state's anti-conversion law. The convictions follow their arrest in April 2024, when a child's birthday party they were attending was disrupted by a mob.

The pastors, aged between 20 and 49, were each given the maximum prison term of five years and a fine of 100,000 rupees (approximately £785) by the court on 12 June. They had been arrested over two years ago following the incident.

The gathering was a fifth birthday celebration for a child in a village in Madhya Pradesh. However, the party was interrupted when a large group of extremists surrounded the house, threatening the guests. Although the police were called and managed to calm the crowd, only the seven pastors were arrested. The child's parents confirmed the event was purely social, but the pastors were subsequently charged under the anti-conversion law.

This law, officially the Freedom of Religion Bill, prohibits seeking converts through force or coercion. It is one of thirteen such laws in Indian states, often misinterpreted by extremists to outlaw any form of Christian evangelism or worship.

Barnabas Aid shared a prayer request from their project partner: “May the Lord protect them, provide for their daily needs, strengthen their families, and surround them with His peace, comfort and unfailing care. Pray that their testimony will remain strong and that they will continue to trust in God despite the challenges they face.”

Please join Barnabas Aid in praying for these pastors, their families, and the churches left without their leaders. Pray for justice and for God's sustaining presence during this difficult time.

Barnabas Fund originally published this story. Eden is sharing it to help connect you with their ministry.

Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021 — The official text of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021.

Freedom of Religion Bill India — Wikipedia article detailing anti-conversion laws in India, including the Freedom of Religion Bill.

Seven Indian Pastors Convicted Under Anti-Conversion Law — Original article from Barnabas Aid detailing the imprisonment of seven Indian pastors.

Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Ordinance, 2020 — Details of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Ordinance, 2020.