Archdiocese of Bombay Warns Anti-conversion Law Could Target Christian Ministry

The Archdiocese of Bombay has voiced deep concern over a new anti-conversion law in Maharashtra, fearing it could penalize the work of the Catholic Church and other Christian ministries within the state. In a statement, the archdiocese highlighted that while the Catholic Church has consistently condemned conversions achieved through force, fraud, or coercion, it worries that the law might not effectively distinguish between such unlawful practices and legitimate interfaith dialogue or ministry activities focused on neighbor-love.
The archdiocese pointed to experiences in other Indian states where similar legislation has been used primarily to intimidate religious minorities, including Christians. They stated that these laws often place a disproportionate burden on communities freely exercising their constitutional right to profess and propagate their faith. This concern is particularly relevant for the Archdiocese of Bombay, which serves a significant Catholic population in the region.
The new Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, has been approved by the Indian President, setting it on course to become law. Critics argue the legislation is overly broad and vague, potentially targeting voluntary religious exploration or interfaith relationships. The Archdiocese of Bombay specifically objected to provisions allowing blood relatives of converts to file a first information report (FIR) with the police, a standard initial document in criminal investigations.
This FIR filing mechanism raises serious questions about the right of an adult to make a free decision regarding their own faith. The archdiocese expressed concern that it could be misused by families opposed to inter-faith marriage or personal religious conversion, effectively circumventing the need for a formal complaint from the individual concerned. Such a measure, they argued, undermines personal conscience and could lead to vigilante actions or social boycotts targeting those involved in ministry or outreach.
Furthermore, the archdiocese warned that the law empowers police officers to initiate action against conversions without waiting for a formal accusation or complaint from an affected person. This proactive stance by authorities could create an environment of suspicion and fear, potentially discouraging necessary community engagement and service. The focus should remain on discerning genuine coercion from lawful religious freedom, guided by principles of justice and care for all individuals.
The Archdiocese of Bombay’s statement underscores the delicate balance required in protecting religious freedom. It calls upon the authorities to respect the constitutional rights of all citizens while ensuring that measures against forced conversion are precise and do not unjustly penalize lawful religious expression or the efforts of ministries committed to serving their communities with mercy and without improper motives, reflecting the biblical call to serve others found in Matthew 25:35 and Galatians 6:10.

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