Vasai-Virar Churches Introduce Disclaimer Forms Ahead of Anti-Conversion Law
Small churches in Vasai-Virar have begun asking worshippers to sign self-declaration forms affirming that they are attending prayer meetings of their own free will, ahead of the implementation of Maharashtra's Freedom of Religion Act on August 28.
The upcoming anti-conversion law prescribes penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment for forced religious conversion or conversion by inducement. Under the legislation, police personnel are authorised to launch investigations into allegations of conversion following complaints lodged by third parties.
Minority institutions have expressed apprehension that routine prayer services or social welfare initiatives could be misconstrued as conversion activities under the new framework.
In Vasai-Virar, churches such as New Hope have initiated the use of disclaimer documents. On Sunday, Pastor Stephen Rosario handed out declaration forms to a congregation of 30 worshippers, requesting signatures along with passport-sized photographs.
Similar self-declaration documents are already being collected for baptism rituals across certain churches.
Pastor Devdan Tribhuvan, president of the Christian Development Association, noted that incidents and police enquiries have prompted the introduction of these safeguards. According to Tribhuvan, attacks on Christian prayer groups have risen over the last 12 years, with 15 to 20 attacks recorded over the past year alone, leading congregations to adopt written disclaimers.
