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Chhattisgarh State is in Central India ... and home to a shocking development for followers of Jesus.
The Chhattisgarh district administration has imposed a ban on "house churches," stating it as an important decision to maintain communal harmony. Local Christians, however, believe that this action by the administration oversteps on their religious freedom in the state.
"The ban on house churches has created fear and has curbed the religious freedom of individuals."
Kunal Mishra*, Open Doors' local partner
According to local news, the Police and District Administration of Raipur—Chhattisgarh's capital and largest city—held a meeting in August with pastors, priests, and other prominent representatives of the Christian community. At the meeting, the Christian leaders were given clear instructions that prayer services could only be organized in authorized and registered churches.
The administration also clarified that obtaining permission is mandatory for any religious or social event.
Authorities say they are banning house churches after they have received complaints of religious conversion, which would lead to communal tension and violence.
"Christians in Chhattisgarh are experiencing religious animosity from the Hindutva [Hindu national]-led government and the religious extremists," explains Kunal Mishra*, an Open Doors local partner. "The ban on house churches has created fear and has curbed the religious freedom of individuals. With the recent ban on house churches, private gatherings are now in question, potentially challenging the Indian Constitution. Articles 25-28 grant citizens the fundamental right to freedom of religion, including the ability to manage their own religious affairs and establish religious institutions, like places of worship, subject to public order, health and morality."
Following the meeting and the issuance of the ban order, several local house churches were forcibly shut down, and Christians were prohibited from gathering for prayer. The affected pastors and believers confirm that they were not given any written notice. Administrative and police officials warned local Christians of strict consequences, including imprisonment, if they opposed the ban order.
Hindu nationalist extremists have begun labeling every prayer meeting as a conversion activity. The extremists are also falsely accusing and bringing testimony against pastors. They're accusing the church leaders of using material promises in exchange for conversion—and are pressuring police to arrest the pastors under the state's Religious Freedom Act (known as the anti-conversion law in other states).
The Christian community has strongly protested the administration's order, stating that a "house church" is not a new tradition but a globally recognized religious practice. They argue that the order violates the Indian Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion for its citizens.
Christian leaders noted that in rural areas or places without churches, people pray peacefully in their homes. They have also rejected allegations of religious conversion, stating that they were being falsely accused.
The Christian community has appealed to the administration for a fair investigation and has even agreed to install CCTVs in their homes to ensure complete transparency.
The court's verdict will determine what direction will be given on this sensitive issue.
"Christians in Chhattisgarh are appalled by the ban order. Christian leaders are advocating to the state and central governments to intervene and put an end to the atrocities that Christians are facing in Chhattisgarh," Mishra explains. "Pray for Christians, that we have a safe place to worship and that every initiative taken by the Christian community for religious freedom be heard and fair action will be taken."
