A group of approximately 20 men stormed into a Catholic church in Mattegoda, Sri Lanka, smashing statues and setting fire to Bibles. The attack was the latest in a series of violent incidents against evangelical and Catholic churches in recent months. Observers in Sri Lanka and elsewhere believe Sinhalese Buddhists are encouraging violence against churches as part of their campaign for nationwide anti conversion laws.
Government officials are currently discussing legislation and may bring in new laws or strengthen existing provisions. Religious Affairs Minister Thiyagarajah Maheswaran said at a press conference in December that the new laws would be based on the “Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religious Act’ passed in Tamil Nadu, India, in October 2002.
However, Justice Minister W.J.M. Lokubandara said the ministry was simply “exploring the possibility” of new legislation.
Meanwhile, evangelical and Catholic churches have issued press statements denying the use of financial enticement to win converts.
(CD)
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