Church impends legal action against Hindu allegations of 'conversion'

Christian leaders in the state of Madhya Pradesh have impended to take legal action against Hindus for its allegations of forceful conversion against Christians.

Church officials in the state have apparently issued a notice that seeks a written apology from Vishwas Sarang, state president of the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Hindu political leader, last month, at a press conference in Indore alleged that missioners are engaged in large–scale forceful conversions.

Responding to the comments, Father Anand Muttungal, spokesperson for the Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh said, the church would take the matter to court if Sarang fails to apologize for his "irresponsible comments."

The present allegations of Sarang and several other political bigwigs have come at the time of election, when the party demands more votes and people's support for its success as a ruling party.

BJP, which rules the state government, strives to make India a Hindu nation. According to the pro–Hindu party, Christians and Muslims are 'aliens' in India and ‘must be driven away.’

Christians in the state have accused the BJP for building hatred between communities and constantly attacking the Christian churches and institutions.

According to Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, Hindu mobs in the state have issued threats against churches and Christian activities, demanding the Christians to move out of the state.

The prelate feels that the legal notice will end the manipulated campaigns against the Church and establish justice and truth.

Describing Sarang's statement as childish, he added, "Unless we check it now, more would join such false campaigns and tarnish the good image of the Church."

Copies of the notice has also been sent to BJP national president Rajnath Singh and other top leaders, including L.K. Advani, whom the BJP is projecting as its candidate for prime minister, next year.

Meanwhile, Christian Today last week, interviewed Tehmina Arora, General Secretary of the Christian Legal Association (CLA), which is an initiative of the Evangelical Fellowship of India.

According to Tehmina, CLA, which has over 400 lawyers all over India, providing legal assistance to the persecuted churches and Christians, have received an overwhelming response from the community.

The Association, she said, has placed strong emphasis on freedom, liberty, justice, sanctity of human life, human rights, professional ethics and conflict resolution.