The future of Christian work is in question in India.

By October 6, 2005

India (MNN)–Yesterday, we reported on the stirrings of Hindu nationalist sentiment in India, via the World Hindu Council.

Today, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India is responding to the reality of a nationwide anti-conversion law in India.

The idea was proposed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in late August. Mission India’s Dave Stravers says even in its earliest stage, they’re expecting more persecution. “Just the fact that the major party is proposing such a law will give courage to Hindu extremists to persecute Christians in their region. It’s kind of like the government is saying ‘We’re really behind you on this, so go ahead.'”

There have already been several incidents in which Christians were at a disadvantage with a mob. In one case, a mob attacked a church group, police intervened, and then beat the believers they’d rescued from the mob.

Even though such a law would be unconstitutional in India, the idea may be gaining support. With that support could come similar violence seen in the Hindu-Muslim tensions.

It’s a touchy time, especially since it appears the threat will grow as the church grows. With the Dalits responding to the Gospel in large numbers, Stravers says they have to act carefully.

He explains, “We have more than one thousand churches and mission agencies within India, mostly indigenous agencies that depend on the training that we provide and the materials that we give to discipleship efforts. It effects us indirectly because it’s these people, our partners, who are the ones being attacked.”

They’re asking prayer for those workers who are involved in Christian work in India.

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