JABALPUR: A pastor in India’s Madhya Pradesh state has been arrested and charged after members of extremist organisations accused him of offering money to people to convert to Christianity.
Pastor Briton Phillips, who ministers in Jabalpur, was accused in a complaint of offering 5,000 rupees to anyone who converted. The complaint also alleged that converts could receive another 3,000 rupees for recommending another person for conversion.
Pastor Briton has denied the allegations.
The accusation came after extremists allegedly forced their way into his home during a worship service on Sunday, July 5.
The pastor, whose leg was amputated two months ago due to diabetes, was imprisoned for three days before being released on bail. His health deteriorated during his detention.
He was charged under Madhya Pradesh’s Freedom of Religion law, commonly known as an anti-conversion law, which prohibits religious conversion through force, fraud or coercion.
Thirteen Indian states currently have anti-conversion laws. Rights groups and Christian organisations have long warned that such laws can be misused by extremist groups to make false or unverified allegations against pastors and church members.
The case has renewed concern over the safety of Indian Christians, particularly church leaders, who say they face increasing pressure, intimidation and legal action over ordinary worship activities.
