Church unity at local level advised to counter allegations of conversion

Church has been advised to develop unity at the grassroots level to counter allegations of conversion which has resulted in violence against Christians in different states.

A consultation on anti-conversion law Tuesday observed the need for a strong network among local churches, irrespective of denomination, to ward off accusations against Christians and to assist those being falsely indicted.

The participants at the consultation stressed on the need to revisit the theological position on Mission and Evangelism and to educate local churches on laws concerning religious freedom.

Attended by Bishops, representatives of Christian bodies and leaders of other faith, the consultation recommended the culling of incidents of atrocities committed against Christians to take up the issue with the concerned authorities.

One of the many recommendations was to also have a "professionally qualified legal team in various strata of Church structure to advice and act upon immediately at the hour of need."

"We strongly see the need for networking among churches at the local level to confront false charges of conversion," said Anjna Masih, Secretary of Commission on Policy, Governance & Public Witness, NCCI, which organised the event.

"There is also a need to educate our church people on law of the land so they could tread with caution and restraint," she said.

The consultation brought out a statement urging the government to safeguard the rights of religious minorities and ensure freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion of one's choice.

Rev. Dr. PHM Basaiawmoit, vice president of the NCCI, said since the early seventies after the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill was introduced, the right to freedom of religion has been questioned under various guises, being curtailed and threatened through legislations in many State Legislatures and being suppressed by invoking religious statements.

"Even more, adding insult to injury, the patriotism and national loyalty of Christians and Muslims is being suspected. It is not time to revisit the constitutional provision for religious freedom but rather India's strong belief in secularism must be reiterated," he observed.

Representing the Church was the general secretary of the NCCI, Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad; Alwan Masih, general secretary of the Church of North India, Rev. Richard Howell of the Evangelical Fellowship of India and Bishop Mar Paulose Episcopa of the Mar Thomas Church among others.

From other faiths present was Ramesh Khandpal of the Akhil Bhartiya Anuvrat Nyas, Mohd. Intezar Naeem from Jamait-i-Islam, Ven. Mangal Jyoti from Ashoka Buddhist Vihar and Sr Rama from Brahma Kumaris.