Churches in western India are asking worshippers to sign forms confirming they attend prayer meetings voluntarily, ahead of a new anti-conversion law taking effect Friday.
The law allows authorities to act against conversions allegedly involving coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage. People planning to convert must also notify their district magistrate at least two months in advance.
The forms ask worshippers to confirm they attend under “no pressure, inducement, temptation, lure, or threat of any kind”. Churches are also collecting photographs and government-issued identity numbers.
The move follows disruptions to Christian prayer meetings across the Mumbai region, with Hindu groups accusing churches of facilitating illegal conversions.
Pastor Sam Mathai said the forms were being collected for “self-safety” and could be shown to authorities if requested.
“Right-wing groups enter churches without intimation and beat up people,” Mr Mathai explained. “So pastors and community leaders came together to find a solution. We don’t force anyone to come and pray. The Indian constitution allows everyone to pray of their own will.”
At New Hope Church in Virar, Pastor Steven Rozario told worshippers: “This is a self-declaration form. I want all of you to fill it out, attach a passport-size photograph and bring it with you next Sunday when we meet for prayer.”
He said the forms would provide evidence if churches were accused of forcing people to attend.
“The new law has given a free pass to those who break the law.”