Christian pastors beaten with iron rods in India

Christian pastors beaten with iron rods in India

ANDHRA PRADESH, India — Even in a state with no “anti-conversion” law, Hindu extremists in Andhra Pradesh leveled the accusation of forceful conversion at pastors as they belted the Christian leaders with iron rods in June.

At their monthly prayer gathering about 20 pastors from various denominations were stunned when a mob of Hindu extremists approached with clubs and iron rods and accused the ethnic Telegu clergy of forceful conversion. Vaguely worded laws in other states banning forceful, fraudulent or coercive conversions provide a ready pretense for false accusations against Christians leading to numerous false arrests.

“They suddenly intruded into the meeting at about 1 p.m. while we were having our lunch and started to beat up pastors who were standing outside the room,” said B. Robert of the Bethel Saron Assembly of God Church.

Seven Christians received hospital treatment, including a 73-year-old pastor.