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Law Sought to Ban Conversions in One More Indian State
Thursday, Jul. 2, 2009 Posted: 5:36:15PM HKT
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| Undated photo of India Christians on Palm Sunday. (Photo: AP) |
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The National Council of Churches in India earlier told Christian Today India: “Church is against conversion. It is unethical and unchristian. We never believe nor recommend forceful conversions. It is plainly used to accuse Christians who are part of 'growing development' in this nation.”
The Church of North India last November in a statement said: "The church is deeply concerned at the repeated allegations of forcible conversions. We always maintained these allegations to be false nonetheless a task force at the World Council of Churches is being set up to study the issue and settle the controversy once in for all."
It joined hands with National United Christian Forum - a united body consisting of CBCI, EFI and NCCI, to delve the allegations of forced conversions.
Though the central (federal) government in New Delhi is ruled by moderate Congress party, the Karnataka state is ruled by BJP who won the state legislative election in May 2008. The party hopes that it will continue to expand its base from this south central state to its neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andra Pradesh and others.
The state government has the power to enact the anti-conversion law on its own which has caused much concern for Christians.
Presently, out of 28 states and seven Union Territories, the anti-conversion law is in force in five states: Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. In two other states - Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan - the law has been passed but not yet implemented.
On 25 June, Home Minister P Chidambaram said in central (federal) government will be reviewing and making recommendations on the controversial anti-conversion Bill. It is expected that it will be repealed in states ruled by the Congress government, like Rajasthan. No much change is expected from the other six states still ruled by the BJP.
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Joseph Keenan
Christian Post Correspondent
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