Chhattisgarh churches bar prayers for non-Christians, asks to enter at own risk

In banners displayed outside their premises, the churches in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district said people from other faiths who enter voluntarily would be responsible for their own actions.

In Short

• Eight churches in Dhamtari restrict entry to non-Christians for prayers
• Banners warn non-Christians entering voluntarily are responsible for actions
• Move follows new anti-conversion law with harsh penalties

Amid an ongoing row over alleged religious conversion at prayer meetings, at least eight churches in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari city have restricted entry to non-Christians for prayers.

In banners displayed outside their premises, the churches said people from other faiths who enter voluntarily would be responsible for their own actions.

The move, which the Christian community said was taken as a precaution for the safety of its members, comes months after a new anti-conversion law came into effect in the state.

Under the law, those found guilty of illegal religious conversion can face imprisonment of seven to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. In cases involving mass conversion, the punishment ranges from 10 years to life imprisonment, along with a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh.

One of the notices, displayed outside the 116-year-old Sunderganj Mennonite Church, reads, "As per the rules of the church management, entry into the church building for worship is only for Christians. Others, if they enter voluntarily, will (themselves) be responsible for it."

Diamond Filus, general secretary of the Dhamtari District Christian Forum, told news agency PTI that the decision to put up the banners was taken earlier this month. However, it was implemented after a September 15 meeting at the district Collectorate involving representatives of Hindu organisations, the Sarva Adivasi Samaj and the Christian Forum.

Filus said Christian representatives had been asked to attend the meeting by officials without being informed that members of right-wing organisations would also be present.

He claimed representatives of Hindu organisations raised the issue of non-Christians visiting churches and demanded that people who had not converted should not be allowed to enter.

Filus further said some officials present at the meeting supported the demand.

He alleged that previous incidents in which activists had created disturbances during Christian prayer meetings over allegations of religious conversion had prompted the community to take precautionary measures.

The Christian Forum has also asked community members to display similar notices outside churches and prayer meeting halls elsewhere in the district.

The forum said the September 15 meeting was held after more than 1,000 people submitted self-declaration forms at the district Collectorate under the state’s new anti-conversion law.

According to the forum, the declarations stated that the individuals were attending religious meetings at churches or prayer halls voluntarily and at their own responsibility.

Dhamtari Additional Collector Indira Singh Dehari said she was not authorised to comment on the issue.

A district administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the issue had been resolved but declined to provide details.

- Ends
(With PTI inputs)