District authorities allow peaceful religious congregations in Uttar Pradesh

(Photo: Christian Today/Shireen Bhatia) In a move that brings a breather to the Christian community, the District Magistrate of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh has issued a positive order allowing prayer meetings and church services to be conducted in Azamgarh district without any hindrance, in compliance with a directive from the Allahabad High Court. The matter dates … Read more

Two pastors arrested, jailed under Unlawful Religious Conversion in Uttar Pradesh

(Photo: Pixabay) Two Christians were arrested and booked under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act for praying on New Year’s Eve in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh. Pastor Arun Kumar and Pastor Ram Tahal gathered to pray on New Year’s Eve along with about 100 believers on December 31 in Ram … Read more

Christian in Uttar Pradesh arrested for praying in his house on New Year’s Eve

Police in Uttar Pradesh detained a Christian, along with a guest, for praying in his own house on New Year’s Eve in Maharajganj district yesterday. Pastor Raj Kishore along with some of his friends had gathered in his own house for New Years’ Eve in Sonbarasa village on December 31, when the Kothibari police reached … Read more

Pentecostal mission center demolished in Uttar Pradesh; pastor, 17 others arrested

Hindu nationalist government officials in Uttar Pradesh have demolished a Pentecostal mission centre and arrested 18 people amid concerns over the persecution of the Christian minority in the country, according to reports. The demolition took place last Wednesday in the Bhulandih area of Jaunpur district, according to the Union of Catholic Asia News. A special … Read more

Article 14 releases investigative report on misuse of Uttar Pradesh's anti-conversion law

(Photo: Unsplash) In a comprehensive investigation conducted by Article 14, an alarming revelation has surfaced regarding the implementation of Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law. The study, centred on 101 First Information Reports (FIRs), exposes a multitude of flaws, raising questions about the legal and ethical considerations of the state’s approach to alleged forced conversions to Christianity. … Read more

Targeted assault on pastor's son exposes deep-seated prejudices in Uttar Pradesh village

(Photo: Pixabay) The son of a pastor, who was harassed and detained the previous week at the complaint of Hindu extremists on allegations of carrying out forced conversions in a village in Uttar Pradesh, was beaten at an open food joint on September 29 by the food joint owner and a staff member.  Bipin Kumar, … Read more

A pastor's unwavering faith amidst persecution in Uttar Pradesh

Pastor Shriram’s house church. (Photo: Pastor Shriram) Police in Uttar Pradesh reprimanded a pastor for the fourth time on September 24 based on allegations of forced conversions made by Hindu extremists after he was arrested twice and faced court proceedings for similar allegations earlier.  “The most they can do is put us in jail, what … Read more

Supreme Court grants interim protection in religious conversion case in Uttar Pradesh

ECI church, Hariharganj, Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh. (Photo: Courtesy of ECI) In a recent development, the Supreme Court has provided interim protection from arrest to the Chairman of the Broadwell Christian Hospital Society in Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh, amidst allegations of forceful religious conversion. A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala has … Read more