Will Religious Freedom Survive in India? Church Leaders in Maharashtra Call for Repeal of Anti-Conversion Bill

2 Timothy 2:9 : "...for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained."

Is the New Anti-Conversion Bill in Maharashtra a Threat to Religious Liberty?

The Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, recently passed by the Maharashtra state assembly, has sparked intense concern among religious minorities. Church leaders argue that while the bill claims to prevent forced conversions, its broad and vague language could criminalize standard religious practices, charitable works, and the fundamental right to share one's faith. They are now formally calling for its repeal to protect constitutional freedoms.

The Facts: What is Happening in Maharashtra?

In mid-March 2026, the state assembly of Maharashtra took a significant step by passing the "Freedom of Religion Bill 2026." The legislation was moved through the assembly on March 16 and 17, and it now awaits the final assent of the Governor to become law.

In response, a unified front of Catholic and Protestant leaders, including various bishops and Christian organizations, has submitted a formal memorandum to state officials. Their request is clear: the bill should be repealed or significantly amended. The leaders argue that the legislation, as currently written, is a direct interference with the religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

This is not just a localized concern. On March 11, 2026, just days before the bill moved through the assembly, 35 different civil society groups across India issued a joint statement. They warned that the bill's provisions regarding privacy and personal choice are so broad that they risk infringing upon the basic human rights of every citizen in the region.

How It Happened: The Mechanics of the Bill

The bill's stated purpose is to restrict religious conversions that occur through "force," "fraud," or "inducement." On the surface, these terms seem reasonable: no one supports forcing someone to change their faith. However, the legal definitions provided in the bill are where the trouble lies for the global church.

Church advocates argue that the term "inducement" is defined so broadly that it could include offering help to the poor or providing education. In the context of the Assemblies of God and the broader Pentecostal movement, our mission is inextricably linked to serving the "least of these." If providing a meal or a tuition-free seat in a school is legally interpreted as an "inducement" to convert, then the very act of Christian charity becomes a potential crime.

Furthermore, the bill places a heavy burden of proof on the individual and the person performing the conversion ceremony. It often requires prior notification to district authorities, which critics say invites state surveillance into the most private and sacred area of human life: the soul’s relationship with God.

Both Sides: Safety vs. Liberty

The Government’s Stance: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the legislation, stating repeatedly that the bill does not target any specific religion. The government positions the bill as a necessary safeguard to protect local culture and prevent "fraudulent" conversions that they claim exploit vulnerable populations. From their perspective, this is about maintaining social order and protecting people from being misled or coerced.

The Church’s Stance: Church leaders and human rights advocates see it differently. They argue that existing laws in India are already sufficient to handle cases of actual kidnapping, fraud, or physical coercion. They believe this new bill is a "solution in search of a problem" that will ultimately be used to harass religious minorities. They contend that the right to propagate one's religion is a fundamental right, and that the state has no business acting as a gatekeeper for spiritual decisions.

Why It Matters: A Connection to the Mid-South

While Maharashtra may feel half a world away from Memphis or the Mid-South, the principle of religious liberty is universal. Here in our local communities, we value the freedom to gather, to worship, and to speak the truth of the Gospel without fear of a knock on the door from a government official.

When our brothers and sisters in India face legislation that could potentially put a pastor in jail for praying for the sick or feeding the hungry, it affects the entire Body of Christ. As we look at our own freedoms in the United States, we are reminded that liberty is a gift that must be cherished and defended: not just for ourselves, but for everyone, everywhere.

Biblical Perspective: The Unchained Word

Matthew 10:16 : "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."

From an Assemblies of God perspective, we understand that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is not a suggestion: it is a command. We are called to go into all the world and make disciples. This mission is empowered by the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, which gives us the "dunamis" (power) to be witnesses even in the face of opposition.

In the book of Acts, we see the early church facing similar "anti-conversion" pressures. Peter and John were told not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Their response was bold: "Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20).

The church in Maharashtra is standing in that same apostolic tradition. They are asking for the right to follow their conscience. As Pentecostals, we believe in Divine Healing and the miraculous power of God. If a person is healed by the power of the Holy Spirit and chooses to follow Christ as a result, that is a work of God, not a "fraudulent inducement." We must stand with those who insist that the Spirit of God cannot be regulated by a state assembly.

Life Takeaway: Standing in Solidarity

When we see the global church under pressure, it can feel overwhelming. However, there are practical, calm steps we can take to remain grounded and supportive:

1. Pray for Discernment: Pray for the government leaders in Maharashtra. Pray that their hearts would be softened and that they would see the value that the Christian community brings to their society through education, healthcare, and service.

2. Pray for Boldness: Pray for the bishops and pastors who signed the memorandum. Pray that they would be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves," navigating these legal waters with wisdom and grace.

3. Stay Informed: Awareness is a form of advocacy. By understanding the challenges our global family faces, we are better equipped to speak up for religious freedom in our own spheres of influence.

4. Trust the Stronghold: Remember that no matter what laws are passed on earth, the Kingdom of God is unshakable.

Psalm 27:1 : "The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?"

The Gospel has never been dependent on the permission of the state to spread. From the Roman Empire to the modern day, the message of Jesus Christ has flourished most when the pressure was highest. We stand in solidarity with the global church, knowing that while people may be bound, the Word of God is never chained.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, or emotionally drained by the news cycle: your reaction is not “weak.” It’s human. We invite you into a Jesus-centered community for spiritual family and care at BoundlessOnlineChurch.org. If you need private, personal guidance during a hard season, Dr. Layne McDonald offers Christian coaching and mentoring at LayneMcDonald.com. Stay grounded, stay hopeful, and keep pointing to Jesus.

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Source Credit:Catholic News Service, Times of India, Religious Liberty Commission of India.