MMR Churches Seek Prayer Consent Forms Following Anti-Conversion Law
Churches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including localities such as Vasai, Virar, Nalasopara, Bhayander, and Bhandup, have started asking worshippers to fill self-declaration forms confirming they attend prayer services of their own free will and without any coercion.
The measure comes following the enactment of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, which came into force after receiving Presidential assent and being officially notified in the state gazette on July 30. The filled consent forms are being preserved in church offices for self-safety and to be presented to government or police authorities if required.
Pastor Sam Mathai from Vasai in Palghar district stated that the collection of forms has been underway for the past two to three months. He claimed that in the last six months, there have been 11 attacks on churches in the MMR area, particularly in satellite towns adjoining Mumbai. He noted that groups have entered churches without notice and assaulted people, prompting pastors and community leaders to introduce the self-declaration measure.
There are over 4,000 churches across the MMR. Some establishments are collecting forms from worshippers who are not born Christians, while others are requesting all regular attendees to sign the declarations.
Under the newly notified law, any individual intending to embrace another faith must notify the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance. Violations of the prescribed procedures carry a punishment of up to seven years in prison. The law targets conversions conducted through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.
Pastor Devdan Tribhuvan from Bhandup, president of the Christian Development Association, said churches maintain databases of regular worshippers but decided to seek declarations to safeguard attendees amid concerns over disruptions during Sunday services.
Bombay Catholic Sabha spokesperson Dolphy D'Souza noted that the community has faced distress due to false accusations of forced conversions disrupting services. He stated that the consent forms aim to protect community members and church premises, adding that the community expects police to provide safety and enforce the rule of law equally.
