The Sri Lankan government votes this month on whether to pass a strict anti-conversion bill that could easily hamper relief efforts as well as evangelistic outreach. This bill is more stringent than a similar one that the Sri Lankan Supreme Court struck down last year as unconstitutional on grounds that it violated the freedoms of thought, conscience and religion offered in the nation’s constitution. If passed, the bill would penalize those involved in conversions with up to seven years in prison, or a fine of up to 500,000 rupees (about $11,000).

In recent years, Sri Lankan Christians have suffered considerable violence at the hands of extremist groups—more than 150 churches burned down, pastors badly beaten and female Christian workers assaulted. Following last December’s tsunami, however, as various religious groups have worked together with compassion to provide aid for their nation, the occurrence of violent acts against Christians has noticeably decreased.

But under the proposed anti-conversion bill, even ongoing relief efforts to tsunami victims—as well as other charitable outreach—could easily be misconstrued and penalized. Christian leaders in Sri Lanka are praying fervently for the Lord’s intervention on behalf of their nation! Today we can join them in intercession. Also lift up GFA’s Believers Churches and pastors in Sri Lanka.