In India, 13 Christians have been detained and arrested at a worship convention this summer.

According to persecution watchdog Open Doors, the arrests happened in June at a fellowship gathering in Jaipur, Rajasthan. 

The gathering has typically been held every two to three years by local tribal churches, and is a time of prayer and praise for believers in the area. 

However, on the third and final day of this year's gathering, it was stormed by Hindu nationalists. The mob accused attendees of insulting Hindus, forcing people to convert, and "allurement" - bribing non-Christians with money in exchange for a conversion. 

Open Doors maintains that these accusations are false and libellous. 

Local police were called to the scene, but instead of helping the Christians, agreed with the nationalists' claims. They arrested two pastors and 11 church members, who are still being held. 

“The Christian community has become fearful of gathering," said Suraj, a local Open Doors partner. “Many house churches have stopped meeting. Christian activities are under surveillance, and even Christian centres hesitate to rent their premises for Christian activities.”

Last autumn, Rajasthan implemented stricter anti-conversion laws which require even voluntary conversions to be approved by local authorities. Failure to comply can result in a life sentence.  

Open Doors claims the laws are an attempt to "intimidate" Christians.

"[Our] local partners are conducting persecution survival seminars to help prepare Christians in Rajasthan to stand strong through intimidation and persecution. In the face of continuous monitoring and strict surveillance, they are ministering to the persecuted believers through presence ministry and practical aid. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Rajasthan," the charity stated.