Christian convention interrupted by police and Hindu militants

A major Christian convention happening in India's state of Chhattisgarh was stopped by Police and Hindu militants, forcing the pastor to submit the names of people who accepted Christ, learned Christian Today.

According to the report carried by GCIC, police and Hindu militants attempted to storm the "59th General Convention of the Church of God held in the church" in Rajatalab Raipur in the vicinity of state's capital Raipur.

The convention which commenced on Tuesday Oct 16 and was to end on Oct 21, aimed at setting a vision for the church, whose members have grown over one thousand and to plan out effective means to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

GCIC President Sajan George said that troubles began on Saturday, Oct 20, when the church held a baptism service in the morning which he claimed was secretively filmed by members of the militant Hindu group Dharam Sena, who were sitting on a tree near the baptism tank.

"They showed the video to the police and complained stating that the Church of God was indulged in converting people. A case has been filed against the Church and the pastor," said George.

During a worship service, local police leaders, prosecutors and about eight Dharam Sena members tried to enter the meeting premises "forcefully" but the "sisters of the church blocked them at the entrance," added George, who has close contacts with the church.

Meanwhile, officials have asked the pastor to furnish the names of people converted and those who accepted Jesus as savior.

"After completion of the interrogations the officials told the pastor that they would return Sunday, October 21, for further investigations," said George.

The state of Chhattisgarh is currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, a Hindu nationalist party who strongly opposes the spread of Christianity in India.