VARANASI, INDIA–David Treasure’s church, the Church of North India based in the holy Hindu city of Varanasi, organized a rally five years ago. Four to five thousand Christian faithful attended during the first few days of the event. On the fourth day the Hindu extremists showed up.
“They came and stormed the event,” Treasure said. “(The extremists) beat people, tore up the stage and they assaulted the leaders.”
A few years before this incident, another group of extremists attacked the pastor at Treasure’s church and nearly beat him to death. He was attacked for having attempted to convert Hindus to Christianity, reports said.
While Treasure hasn’t toned down his personal faith – he proudly wears an “I Love Jesus” cap on Varanasi’s busy streets – his church has become subtler in its outreach efforts. It no longer has large-scale revival meetings. Instead, it settles for smaller “cottage” meetings, with dozens to about 200 people attending. It’s just not a good idea to have meetings that are going to bring attention, said Treasure, a retired police chief.
Since the 1960s, seven of India’s 28 states have passed laws prohibiting religious conversion through coercion, money or gifts. In practice, Hindu fundamentalists have used the law as means to forcibly prevent conversion of Hindus to the Christian faith. In response to these advances, the Christian churches have changed the way they practice their faith.
Most of the states that have adopted these laws are ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Hindu nationalist political party. But recently Himachal Pradesh, an area in northern India run by the mainstream Congress Party, also passed the law.
For evangelical Christians, for whom proselytizing is an essential tenet of practice, this creates a paradox – do they risk their safety to spread their belief?
At the Colaba Baptist Church in southern Mumbai, churchgoers have also tempered their approach to evangelizing. The church tells its members to pray with people in the street, but not to go door to door pushing their faith.
“We are spreading our faith,” said Max Fernand, 39, a parishioner. “But not in a way that is threatening to the people. We have to be sensible. [The fear] keeps us walking on egg shells.”
V.J. Joseph, assistant pastor at the church, says Colaba Baptist does missionary work around the country, but stays away from some areas because they are too dangerous. He says it is hard not to extend the reach of his faith, but that the danger is too great. However, his church is trying to broaden its approach and reach more people, despite the danger. This year, the congregation’s focus is on doing more missionary work throughout the country, and in rural areas, where Hindu nationalists are said to have their largest strongholds.
The anti-Christian sentiment, these evangelicals say, has been bolstered by the anti-conversion laws pushed by the BJP. But the BJP’s followers say they don’t support attacks against missionaries, they just want missionaries to stop pressuring people to convert.
“As a party, the BJP is against violence,” said Sidharth Nath Singh, the party’s national spokesman.
Singh charged that Christian missionaries and NGOs are making promises of jobs, education and benefits to those who convert, and taking advantage of people who don’t know any better. The party is supportive of the RSS, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a nationalist cultural organization, which has made re-conversions to Hinduism a consistent practice in tribal villages where missionaries have made conversions.
“It’s not that our party is against conversion. If the person wants to convert, that’s fine,” he said. “But because people are putting pressure on people to convert, and these people are lured by gifts and promises, not by faith, we think that is wrong. That is the principal stance of the BJP.”
But church leaders say that the BJP’s anxiety over mass conversions is misguided, because the level of Christians in India has been steady, if not slightly dwindling, for years. The most recent census shows Christians making up 2 percent of India’s population, in comparison to the 80 percent Hindu majority.
Singh believes that Western governments are funding many of the missionaries working in India, though he did not say for what purpose. Still, he says the focus of the BJP is on the safety of Indians. “We’d like everyone to exist peacefully,” he said. However, leaders in the BJP have espoused different opinions in the past. During a ceremony in April 2005, during which Hindus converted hundreds of Christians, BJP leader Dilip Singh Judeo furthered the anti-conversion stance, saying, “If Christian missionaries don’t stop converting people we will take up arms.”
And Judeo’s sentiments have had their effect in the subcontinent. Sat Pal Bhatti, a Hindu who converted to Christianity, has been conducting “crusades” in the rural areas of the Punjab for the last few years. Each time he has held public mass in an open area his operations have been shut down, he said.
“Why is there so much restriction on Christian freedom?” he asked. “They want the whole of the country for Hindus.”
Bhatti and his wife recently started their third crusade, with the goal of converting more Hindu youth to carry the ministry into the future. They were expecting it to be broken up once again.
Roman Catholics in India are also feeling the pressure of the anti-conversion laws. But because conversion is not built into Catholicism as it is with evangelical Christianity, the laws pose only a looming danger.
Archbishop Oswald Gracias of the Mumbai Archdiocese believes the laws are being used as a political move to rouse Hindu sentiments. And even though they haven’t posed a direct threat to Catholics, he said, they are feeding a fissure between India’s faiths. The laws are “creating a divide between two groups that could contribute so much to the country,” said Gracias, whose archdiocese, with more than 500,000 Catholics, is the largest in India.
Catholicism has been present in India for hundreds of years. Most Indian Catholics that practice today are not the product of recent conversions, but, instead, inherited the faith from their parents. But there is still a general fear among Hindu fundamentalists that through the church’s humanitarian efforts, like helping the poor in Mumbai’s slums, conversion is taking place.
Gracias added that the technical wording of the laws make them sound agreeable for every religion, but when put into practice, the BJP and Congress parties are restricting personal rights. “The law on paper says it is against forced conversion and conversion by fraud. You can’t argue against that,” he said. “That’s what the church says also.”
The problem for Gracias, as well as Pope Benedict XVI, who recently spoke out against the laws, is that when situations occur – like when party officials attend Catholic baptisms to watch for coerced conversion – Catholics are having their rights taken away. “There will be subtle pressures on people who want to genuinely convert,” Gracias said. “It takes it to a certain realm, which is so personal. It gets the state interfering with your conscience.”
Monsignor Nereus Rodrigues, pastor of Mount St. Mary Church in Mumbai, alluded to the fact that evangelical churches in India are the reason for anti-conversion laws. He cautioned his Christian counterparts to watch their actions, so all faiths aren’t hurt in the future. “We belong to the Catholic Church, so we are very careful about not pushing the conversion a little bit too much,” Rodrigues said. “If it becomes that way, people suspect that people are not being convinced.”
For Gracias, there is no mistaking that India belongs as much to Catholics and Christians as it does to the Hindu majority.
“The constitution of the country and the founding fathers of the country had it in mind to be a secular country, a free country,” Gracias added. “And now you bring these laws, you’re going against the very ethos of the country.”
(Additional reporting from Mumbai and Delhi, India)
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Comments
vikas behl, 2007-06-30 06:05:21 -- Flag for review
i wanna 2 convert from hindu to christian can u help me
Snejana Farberov, 2007-08-13 10:27:27 -- Flag for review
I had a chance to witness firsthand the duel effects of religious discrimination against Christians, practiced on government level in India. While working as a tutor for the multinational Master's in Global Development and Social Justice program in Rome this summer, I learned that one of our students, who received a scholarship from the Cathloic relief organization, Caritas, was denied a visa and, as a result, unable to attend because he was to take part in an academic program that was sponsored by a Chritisan organization.
In addition, when some weeks later one of the top officials of Caritas, a spanish Catholic priest, made plans to travel to India, he too was denied a visa.
Manish T.M, 2007-08-29 05:40:47 -- Flag for review
Iwant to convert to christianty.Can you help me.
Manish
William, 2007-09-30 21:10:57 -- Flag for review
where can I get a I love Jesus Cap
William, 2007-09-30 21:11:21 -- Flag for review
where can I get a I love Jesus Cap. I am in delhi right now.
William
Ankur, 2007-10-15 04:03:37 -- Flag for review
Conversion can in no mean harm Hinduism at all. Afterall, it is not only a religion, it is a way of living. And it is a majority of Hindus only, which is tolerating all this. In which other country you have got the freedom of mass conversion , that too mostly by foul means?
Of course you have got the freedom to practice your religion, but instead of going to people, let the people come to you and ask for conversion.
John Subbiah, 2007-11-23 04:27:31 -- Flag for review
Wonderful website!
Meenaxshi, 2007-12-24 18:43:48 -- Flag for review
BJP is called a "hindu" national party and they clearly don't support violence, then why are their supporters not giving freedom of religion to minorities. There has to be a freedom of religion and a separation of state and religion. All religion organizations are supposed to be non profit and even in other countries i.e U.S religion organization are not related to the state affairs and the states/government taxes are not supporting the missionaries. Its each church,christian colleges,missionary organizations,and their people are supporting missionaries overseas, and they send their own people of free will to be a missionary to other countries. If there are no freedom of faiths applied then india cannot be called democratic country, when worse their poverty has not been decreased, infrastructure of the states are not been supported, education given to all students despite caste, religion, financial status, and unemployments for the poor are still not applied in india.If the political parties don't implement these, then there has to be a mother theresa again and again to help indians or states in india has to separate from the country.
gane, 2008-01-01 01:53:57 -- Flag for review
"BJP is called a "hindu" national party and they clearly don't support violence, then why are their supporters not giving freedom of religion to minorities"
To answer this...
Only in India that to because of Hindu culture. we respect other beliefs also irrespective of where it came from. That is the strength of indian people.
But, The beliefs which came from the western doesnt respect or never understands other beleifs thats a pity.
Please indian brothers & sisters try to understand your religion and dont harm the feelings of other beliefs
gane, 2008-01-01 02:08:31 -- Flag for review
Quote by Mahatma Gandhi ...
Call Myself a Sanatani Hindu
I call myself a Sanatani Hindu, because I believe in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, and all that goes by the name of Hindu scripture, and therefore in avataras and rebirth; I believe in the varnashrama dharma in a sense, in my opinion strictly Vedic but not in its presently popular and distorted crude sense; I believe in the protection of cow. I do not disbelieve in murti puja. (Young India: June 10, 1921)
Why I am Not a Convert
Hinduism as I know it entirely satisfies my soul, fills my whole being. When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and when I see not one ray of light on the horizon, I turn to the Bhagavad Gita, and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. My life has been full of tragedies and if they have not left any visible and indelible effect on me, I owe it to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. (Young India: June 8, 1925)
I Disbelieve in Conversion
I disbelieve in the conversion of one person by another. My effort should never to be to undermine another's faith. This implies belief in the truth of all religions and, therefore, respect for them. It implies true humility. (Young India: April 23, 1931)
Conversion: Impediment to Peace
It is impossible for me to reconcile myself to the idea of conversion after the style that goes on in India and elsewhere today. It is an error which is perhaps the greatest impediment to the world's progress toward peace. Why should a Christian want to convert a Hindu to Christianity? Why should he not be satisfied if the Hindu is a good or godly man? (Harijan: January 30, 1937)
No Such Thing as Conversion
I believe that there is no such thing as conversion from one faith to another in the accepted sense of the word. It is a highly personal matter for the individual and his God. I may not have any design upon my neighbour as to his faith which I must honour even as I honour my own. Having reverently studied the scriptures of the world I could no more think of asking a Christian or a Musalman, or a Parsi or a Jew to change his faith than I would think of changing my own. (Harijan: September 9, 1935)
No Conversion Designs Upon Me
I am not interested in weaning you from Christianity and making you Hindu, and I do not relish your designs upon me, if you had any, to convert me to Christianity. I would also dispute your claim that Christianity is the only true religion. (Harijan: June 3, 1937)
Conversion
Conversion must not mean denationalization. Conversion should mean a definite giving up of the evil of the old, adoption of all the good of the new and a scrupulous avoidance of everything evil in the new. Conversion, therefore, should mean a life of greater dedication to one's country, greater surrender to God, greater self-purification. (Young India: August 20, 1925)
Aping of Europeans and Americans
As I wander about through the length and breath of India I see many Christian Indians almost ashamed of their birth, certainly of their ancestral religion, and of their ancestral dress. The aping of Europeans by Anglo-Indians is bad enough, but the aping of them by Indian converts is a violence done to their country and, shall I say, even to their new religion. (Young
India: August 8, 1925)
Why Should I Change My Religion
I hold that proselytisation under the cloak of humanitarian work is unhealthy to say the least. It is most resented by people here. Religion after all is a deeply personal thing. It touches the heart.
Why should I change my religion because the doctor who professes Christianity as his religion has cured me of some disease, or why should the doctor expect me to change whilst I am under his influence? (Young India: April 23, 1931)
Missionary Aim: Uprooting Hinduism
My fear is that though Christian friends nowadays do not say or admit it that Hindu religion is untrue, they must harbour in their breast that Hinduism is an error and that Christianity, as they believe it, is the only true religion. So far as one can understand the present (Christian) effort, it is to uproot Hinduism from her very foundation and replace it by
another faith. (Harijan: March 13,1937)
Undermining People's Faith
The first distinction I would like to make between your missionary work and mine is that while I am strengthening the faith of people, you (missionaries) are undermining it. (Young India: November 8, 1927)
Physician Heal Yourself
Conversion nowadays has become a matter of business, like any other. India (Hindus) is in no need of conversion of this kind. Conversion in the sense of self-purification, self-realization is the crying need of the times. That however is never what is meant by proselytization. To those who would convert India (Hindus), might it not be said, "Physician, heal yourself." (Young India: April 23, 1931)
Missionaries: Vendors of Goods
When the missionary of another religion goes to them, he goes like a vendor of goods. He has no special spiritual merit that will distinguish him from those to whom he goes. He does however possess material goods which he promises to those who will come to his fold. (Harijan: April 3, 1937)
If I had the Power and Could Legislate.
If I had the power and could legislate, I should stop all proselytizing. In Hindu households the advent of a missionary has meant the disruption of the family coming in the wake of change of dress, manners, language, food and drink . (November 5, 1935)
The Only Begotten Son of God?
I regard Jesus as a great teacher of humanity, but I do not regard him as the only begotten son of God. That epithet in its material interpretation is quite unacceptable. Metaphorically we are all sons of God, but for each of us there may be different sons of God in a special sense. Thus for me Chaitanya may be the only begotten son of God. God cannot be the exclusive Father and I cannot ascribe exclusive divinity to Jesus. (Harijan: June 3, 1937)
Western Christianity Today
It is my firm opinion that Europe (and the United States) does not represent the spirit of God or Christianity but the spirit of Satan. And Satan's successes are the greatest when appears with the name of God on his lips. (Young India: September 8, 1920)
I consider western Christianity in its practical working a negation of Christ's Christianity. I cannot conceive Jesus, if he was living in flesh in our midst, approving of modern Christian organizations, public worship, or ministry. (Young India: September 22, 1921)
Christianity and Imperialistic Exploitation
Christianity in India has been inextricably mixed up for the last one hundred and fifty years with British rule. It appears to us as synonymous with materialistic civilization and imperialistic exploitation by the stronger white races of the weaker races of the world. Its contribution to India has been, therefore, largely negative. (Young India: March 21, 1929)
No Room For Them
In the manner in which they are working there would seem to be no room for them. Quite unconsciously they do harm to themselves and also to us. It is perhaps impertinent to say that they do harm to themselves, but quite pertinent to say that they do harm to us. They do harm to those amongst whom they work and those amongst whom they do not work, i.e., the harm is done to the whole of India. The more I study their activities the more sorry I become. It is a tragedy that such a thing should happen to the human family. (Harijan: December 12, 1936)
Outrage!
Only the other day a missionary descended on a famine area with money in his pocket, distributed it among the famine stricken, converted them to his fold, took charge of their temple, and demolished it. This is outrageous. (Harijan: November 5, 1937)
Let the Hindu be a Better Hindu
I came to the conclusion long ago that all religions were true and also that all had some error in them, and whilst I hold by my own, I should hold others as dear as Hinduism. So we can only pray, if we are Hindus, not that a Christian should become a Hindu. But our innermost prayer should be a Hindu should be a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Christian a better Christian. (Young India: January 19, 1928)
Lish, 2008-04-30 11:02:03 -- Flag for review
pray for India!
Haris, 2008-05-04 00:45:19 -- Flag for review
Today Hindus in India, they are facing the problems all indirectly, like this type of converting and abusing Hindu's culture and thing like that, Hindus they are facing their problem individually and other religion they are not individuals, they are always group. Dear Christian Brothers and sisters, No one can do anything to Hindu religion unless until Hindus also playing same like ur way, that Hindu never do. Jesus christ aim was not at all converting all the people to christianity, that u can learn by reading books (bible)
Aly B, 2008-05-13 11:25:14 -- Flag for review
Christian Missionaries in India are like vultures preying on lost travellers in a desert. Their sole purpose of doing charity is converting the poor masses into christianity. My reading of the bible makes me feel that these padres and their cronies haven't understood the true essence of Christ's teachings. These are the souls that need some real 'conversion'.
bobby, 2008-07-26 12:27:33 -- Flag for review
these indian christians are after money and fanatics which these people adapted since the faith started in middle east and was always fighting for survival against judaism and islam.now they want more people for fighting against them not true religous practice.now they convert hindus.these christians dont have any patriotism for the india they bother about religion.
Anonymous, 2008-08-14 13:33:36 -- Flag for review
if christians were after money and fanatics, then why on earth would they go to India? why are christians risking their lives to show others about the love of Christ. many of these missionaries give up their normal lives to show the children in India that they are worthy of love. there are many abused and hurt children in India. so many people are lost and pray to idols that are worthless. Christians show these people that they are worthy of real love, hope, and freedom from personal and emotional slavery. it is a sad thing how the world rejected Jesus Christ when he was on this earth, but we as Christians know that the world will reject us as well, and we dont care, we are here only to serve others and LOVE
Anonymous, 2008-08-29 21:24:06 -- Flag for review