An Indian pastor and his wife were arrested and imprisoned after being falsely accused of engaging in fraudulent religious conversions by radical Hindu nationalists.
On 4 April Pastor Manu Damor and his wife, Asha Damor, were leading Easter morning service in Rangvasa village, located in India’s Madhya Pradesh state when they were attacked by a mob of 50 radical Hindu nationalists.
Source: International Christian Concern
The mob surrounded the house where the service was taking place and attempted to break down the door. Several church members resisted the attack and were severely beaten.
Pastor Damor and his wife were taken into custody and falsely accused of violating the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 2021. Since the charges were filed, Asha was granted bail by the district court, but Pastor Damor was denied bail and remains in jail.
Indian pastors and faith leaders in India are voicing their concerns over the discriminatory law that took effect in March. “Things have become increasingly difficult for pastors and Christians in the state,” said Pastor Basu, a pastor in the same region.
“There has been a trend of increased hostility after the new anti-conversion law was enacted by the government. Hindu radicals are using the law to harass us, but none of the incidents will stand up to legal scrutiny.”
According to the law, individuals seeking to change their religion must apply to the district administration 60 days in advance. Religious leaders facilitating religious conversions also need to inform the district administration 60 days in advance. If the provisions of the ordinance are not followed individuals could face a sentence of three to five years in jail and a fine.
Let us pray.
- Ask the Lord to minister to Manu and Asha Damor. Pray He will comfort them as they face this trial. Pray for Pastor Damor’s protection and release.
- Pray that God will change the hearts of persecutors and that they will turn to Christ. Pray too that the authorities will act justly.
- Pray the church will continue to grow in India, despite the increase in opposition towards the Gospel.
God of the Nations, creator of all, you rule over the whole earth and your judgements are right and true. In contrast, we fall short of your glory everyday and in every area of our personal and corporate national life. As with all nations this also the case in India, a nation under great spiritual bondage to the evil one and superstition. We pray for the conversion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet and all Parliamentarians and pray for your light to shine on the evil in the nation and overcome it. We especially ask for your church in India particularly the leaders, to know the powerful encouragement and work of the person of the Spirit of Jesus. We pray for ministry to Manu and Asha Damor that the Lord Jesus will comfort them as they face this trial. Thank you for their faith and witness. We plead for Pastor Damor’s protection and release. Lord, change the hearts of the persecutors so that they will turn to Christ and that the authorities will act justly. Lord Jesus, pastor and bless your people, that the church will continue to grow in India, despite the increase in opposition towards the Gospel.