MAYURBHANJ, India — Fourteen Christians, including two pastors, were arrested March 29 for converting to Christianity without official permit in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that the arrests came after a police complaint was filed against pastors Samuel Mohopathra and Manuel Mahopathra and 12 newly converted Christians.
The Christians were brought before a court and were released on bail the same day, charged under the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, which, ironically, bans any conversion lacking a permit issued by authorities. Sajan K. George, president of GCIC, called on Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to withdraw the accusations and put a stop to anti-Christian violence in the state.
“The attempts by lower-level police and the Sangh Parivar are scandalous and a travesty of the noble vision and ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” he said.
Share with others: