Orissa Court Orders Christian Prosecution
The High Court in the Indian state of Orissa has ordered a local government to begin prosecuting missionaries involved in what the government has labeled as “forced conversions” of Hindus. The anti-Christian forces in Indian society often bring charges of “forced conversion,” even though the individuals freely choose to receive Jesus as their Savior.
The court order came in response to a petition filed by 269 anti-Christian activists, and also comes on the heels of the same court canceling the death sentence of one of the men convicted in the murder of missionary Graham Staines and his sons in 1999. The guilty man’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, while 11 others charged with the crime were acquitted.
The latest order could endanger GFA native missionaries, even when Hindus seek them out to learn more about Jesus. Ironically, the law is called the “Orissa Freedom of Religion Act,” but it is mainly used to deny men and women their basic human right to freely follow Christ.
Please pray that God will protect GFA missionaries and others sharing the Gospel, and for the new believers as they seek to follow Christ amid much opposition.