Mumbai Churches Deny Asking Worshippers To Sign Declarations Ahead Of Anti-Conversion Law Implementation

Mumbai: Mainstream Christian denominations in Mumbai have denied reports that churches in the city and its outskirts are asking worshippers to sign declarations stating that they attend religious services voluntarily and without any inducement.

Concerns over new law

The reports have surfaced ahead of the anti-conversion law, which is scheduled to come into force on August 28. While church groups have expressed concern that the law’s definition of “allurement” could bring charitable, educational and religious activities under police scrutiny, the government has maintained that the legislation is aimed only at forced and fraudulent religious conversions.

In Mumbai, major denominations such as the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of North India (CNI) said they have not asked their members to sign any such undertakings.

Major denominations deny practice