In January 2023, Pastor Jose and his wife, Sheeja, were sent to jail after a leader of the BJP party accused the couple of luring people to Christianity. Although the 2 believers appealed against the decision, their application for bail was denied in March 2023.
Fortunately, following a ruling issued by the High Court on 6th September, the 2 Christians were released on bail. The court ruled that “accusations of alluring people to convert” can only be filed by the person being targeted or by a family member of that person and not by a 3rd party, as was done in the case of Pastor Jose and Sheeja.
The court also determined that providing teaching, distributing a Holy Bible, encouraging children to receive an education, organizing an assembly of villagers and performing bhandara (providing a free meal), instructing villagers not to enter into an altercation or take alcohol do not amount top an allurement under the 2021 act.
This High Court ruling has brought encouraging news to Christians in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh as Christians in this region have frequently been targets of false accusations by vindictive neighbours and community members.
We thank and praise God for the wisdom demonstrated by the High Court Ruling.
Pray that this ruling will help to prevent other similar cases from being filed against our Christian brothers and sisters not just in Uttar Pradesh but in other states throughout India.
Pray that the Lord will protect Pastor Jose and Sheeja as they return to their community and adjust to life after this ordeal.
(Source & Photo: VOMC)
#Persecuted Church
