Missionary Group Praises Indian Gov't for Stance on Anti-Conversion

By Aaron J. Leichman, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The leader of Gospel for Asia has gladly welcomed the Indian Central Government's plans to stand in the way of anti-conversion bills that are currently making their way through different state governments.

"It's absolutely encouraging to see the government is upholding the Constitution and its secular values of freedom of choice and liberty for the people," said GFA President Dr. K.P. Yohannan.

According to NDTV, India's largest private TV broadcaster, Home Affairs Minister P. Chidambaram has decided to take a firm stand against anti-conversion bills, which critics fear will be abused to punish Christian missionaries.

Christians argue that such bills violate the fundamental right of freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion under Article 25 of the Constitution.

Furthermore, while the bills may seek to curb religious conversions made by "force," "fraud," or "allurement," Christians say they have been "misused" to arrest and imprison church leaders on fabricated charges in countries that passed them.

Currently, anti-conversion laws are reportedly in force in five states – Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. In two other states – Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan – the laws have been passed but their implementation is pending.

In comments issued this past Friday, Yohannan urged believers to continue praying for government officials, "that they will protect the rights of the minorities in their freedom to choose."

Yohannan's organization, which is based in Texas, mainly focuses on spreading the Gospel in India and surrounding countries through the use of native missionaries.

Its radio outreach reportedly airs evangelistic programs in 103 languages on the Indian subcontinent and its many Bible colleges reportedly train thousands of students.

Altogether, GFA operates in 10 Asian countries.