In this episode of Faith Under Fire, Jeff King discusses the escalating persecution of Christians in India with their regional manager, Will Stark. They highlight the surge in persecution in India's Uttar Pradesh state, where at least 14 incidents have occurred leading to the arrest of 45 Christians. The conversation sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by believers in the region under Modi's administration. Please note: this interview first aired in 2021.

To learn more about Christian persecution and the challenges facing the persecuted church, visit https://www.persecution.org/. 

The persecution of Christians in India has been on the rise in recent years, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. This increase in persecution can be attributed to various factors, including the implementation of anti-conversion laws and the promotion of Hindu nationalist ideologies.

In Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, there has been a notable surge in persecution since late June 2021, resulting in the arrest of 45 Christians in at least 14 documented incidents. The state holds significant importance in Hindu nationalism, with the Ganges River flowing through it, making it a sensitive area for Hindu nationalists who believe it needs protection from minority religions like Christianity and Islam.

Madhya Pradesh introduced an anti-conversion law in January 2021, mandating government permission for religious conversions and a 60-day notice period. Violating this law can lead to imprisonment and fines. The enforcement of such laws has led to a significant increase in persecution incidents in the state, with 48 documented cases in the six months following the law's enactment.

Surveys conducted among Christians in Madhya Pradesh have revealed high levels of concern for personal safety and attending worship services. The majority of respondents expressed fear and acknowledged that radical Hindu nationalists had become more aggressive towards Christians following the implementation of the anti-conversion law.

Perpetrators of persecution in India employ tactics such as false accusations of forced conversions, physical assaults, and arrests, often without facing consequences. In some cases, the police are complicit in the attacks or fail to hold the perpetrators accountable, fostering a sense of empowerment among those committing violence against Christians.

Victims of persecution in India, often rural and financially vulnerable individuals, encounter additional challenges even after being arrested. For instance, pastors may be required to travel long distances for bail check-ins, with some appointments deliberately scheduled during worship services to disrupt religious activities.

The discussion underscores the importance of raising awareness about the persecution faced by Christians in India, despite the country being a democracy with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. It emphasizes the need to understand the complex factors contributing to the rise in persecution and the urgent requirement to address these issues to safeguard the rights and safety of religious minorities in the country.