Police in India collect data bank of churches

UDAIPUR, India — Preparation of a “data bank of churches and missionary organizations” by police in Rajasthan state’s Udaipur district has heightened fears of renewed harassment among the state’s miniscule Christian community. The questionnaire asks the “ideology of the priest of the church or the head of the organization” and seeks detailed descriptions of Christian institution activities, sources of income, fixed assets and information on residents of any hostels it may run.

“The tone and tenor of the questionnaire is as if it were aimed at illegal immigrants,” Sajan George, national convener of the Global Council of Indian Christians, said. “The survey’s content violates basic human rights and equality assured to all citizens by the constitution of India.”