A proposed anti-conversion bill that would severely limit the freedom of Gospel workers in Rajasthan state was rejected by its governor and is now with the president of India for his consideration.

If passed as a law, the bill would make conditions for sharing the Gospel in Rajasthan even more stringent than in other states where anti-conversion legislation has been passed. Under the bill’s proposed conditions, even a third-party complaint of conversion activity can be evidence for arrest and imprisonment.

Spreading a religious message or news in a public setting is prohibited under the bill, and offenders could face up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of about $1,000. Any agency involved in “conversion activities” would be punished by having its state registration permanently cancelled, prohibiting its function within the state. Yet the bill decrees no punishment for conversion back to the religion of one’s ancestors.

Various secular human rights activists, along with religious minority groups, are protesting the controversial bill.

When Rajasthan’s governor received the bill from the state assembly, she did not approve it on grounds that it would affect the fundamental right of religion. She instead advised the state assembly to approach India’s president with it.

This courageous intervention is encouraging news for Christians sharing the Good News in Rajasthan—and cause for fervent prayer among Christians worldwide as India’s president now looks at the proposed legislation. Especially at stake is the issue of India’s downtrodden Dalits and other low-caste groups, as many among their people are eagerly and willingly turning to Christ as they hear the Gospel. As the opposition seeks to squelch this activity, persecution has been on the rise.

“Even though we are going through difficult situations, the Lord has been sustaining us and protecting our pastors,” says Simon John, GFA’s field leader in North India. “We have been able to see great results … the Lord is doing great wonders in this country of India. Despite these difficulties, we know the Lord will raise up more workers, and we request your prayers for the state of Rajasthan.”

Simon John especially requests that we pray for courage for the pastors and missionaries faithfully sharing Christ in Rajasthan at this crucial time, that in all circumstances they would remain bold in their witness for Him. Pray also for wisdom for India’s government, that it would act in such a way as to uphold freedom of religion.