India

Place: Vijayawada, Andra.Pradesh, India.

THE SLEEPING LION AWAKES Indian Christians Plan Civil Disobedience By Peter Lane

As from October 26th conversion to Christianity is illegal in the south Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Independent Churches with no denominational affiliation will be closed and those pastoring with no official qualifications will be imprisoned up to three years.

Indian Christians are planning a campaign of civil disobedience in response to the anti conversion ordinance Bill introduced recently by the Tamil Nadu State of India. An ordinance in being introduced is not initially subject to the usual democratic Parliamentary processes that involves the approval of the people, the State Council and the Governor of the State.

Christians see the Ordinance Bill, which are usually only introduced in an emergency,

1. Contravenes the Indian Constitution which allows freedom of religion. 2. Is seen as a move to restrict Christianity in Tamil Nadu which has up to 7% of Christians. 3. Is really directed against the educating of women and dalits (scheduled castes) who get education in Christian institutions in order to prevent them from knowing their constitutional rights.

With the passing of the ordinance bill by the State Assembly in Tamil Nadu, then the fears are that a similar Ordinance Bill could be introduced in other Indian States where Christians are an even a lesser minority. Nationally it is estimated that Christians make up 2% of India’s population, which currently has a BJP led coalition government. Since the election of the BJP Government three years ago there has been an increase in opposition to minority groups including Christians.

Rallies were held by Christians in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu on October 19th as well as in other Indian cities and the troubled state of Gujurat, already the scene of violence against minority groups such as Muslims and Christians. The rallies failed to bring the removal of the Ordinance Bill, so further action will be taken. Catholic Bishops and other Christian leaders will plan to demonstrate outside the Tamil Nadu Assembly on October 24th, which is the opening day of the Assembly.

If there is no reappeal to the Ordinance Bill then there will also be a public closure of all 5,000 Christian Schools for a day in Tamil Nadu. This is an attempt to mobilise sympathy for Christians from secular Hindus and Muslims many of whom have children in Christian places of education.

If there is still no response a mass civil disobedience will take place in the form of mass Public Baptisms of converts from Hindu background. Those performing the baptisms will refuse to pay the fines and thus be sent to jail.

The Indian Christian Solidarity group is mobilizing a response to this situation as a time for prayer and action for Christians to assert their constitutional rights. In doing so they fulfil their slogan “To protect and serve.”

Perhaps this situation is prophetically fulfilling the words of India’s first Prime Minister, Mr Nehru who warned against awaking the sleeping Christian lion.

ENDS

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