Mumbai: Pastors across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have begun collecting self-declaration forms from worshippers, asking them to state in writing that they attend church services voluntarily and without any inducement or pressure.
The move comes ahead of the Maharashtra anti-conversion law taking effect on August 28. Church leaders say the forms are a safeguard against allegations of forced religious conversion and possible disruptions at prayer meetings.
The declarations state that the signatories are attending church services, prayers and religious gatherings of their own choice, without “pressure, inducement, temptation, lure or threat”. They also affirm that participation in such gatherings is protected by the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom under Articles 25 to 28.
Those filling out the forms are required to provide their PAN or Aadhaar details, attach a passport-size photograph and, in some cases, include details of a witness. The documents have reportedly been circulated in English, Marathi and Hindi among worshippers in Mumbai, Thane, Vasai-Virar, Palghar and Mira-Bhayandar.
The form further says that it may be used as evidence if allegations are made against the individual or the church over their attendance at prayer meetings.
The decision follows a series of reported disruptions at Christian prayer gatherings in recent months. Between April and July, nine FIRs were registered in connection with such incidents, according to a report by The Indian Express. Seven of the cases were filed against organisers and worshippers, while two were registered against Bajrang Dal members.
Church leaders have alleged that groups claiming association with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have interrupted Sunday services held in homes, schools, rented halls and banquet venues, accusing organisers of carrying out forced conversions. Such incidents often lead to police intervention and complaints being filed by both sides.
Pastor Steven Rozario of New Hope Church in Virar said his congregation had been asked to complete the forms and submit them at the next prayer meeting.
He said the declarations would allow church authorities to show that worshippers had chosen to attend voluntarily if anyone later accused them of coercing people into participating in religious gatherings.
Rozario said the church had also installed a wrought-iron gate that remains locked during services because of concerns over repeated disruptions. He alleged that police often fail to register cases against those accused of causing violence at such gatherings.
A 55-year-old churchgoer, Anita Patel, said it was the first time in her 16 years as a Christian that she had been asked to give written confirmation of her choice to attend church.
She said the exercise felt unusual and reflected a situation in which people were being compelled to prove their freedom to practise a religion of their choice. However, she added that the form appeared necessary in view of the reported attacks on prayer meetings.
Devdan Tribhuvan, state president of the Maharashtra Christian Development Association, said the documents were not government-issued certificates but were meant solely as a security measure. He maintained that the forms would remain with pastors and would record the worshipper’s voluntary decision to attend a church.
Bajrang Dal regional co-convenor Gautam Ravariya said the organisation functioned within the law and maintained that its workers acted only in self-defence if attacked. He also alleged that some prayer groups first offered assistance to vulnerable families before encouraging religious conversion.
The Vasai-Virar Police Commissioner said he was unaware of pastors distributing such declarations and denied that there was a broader pattern of attacks, though five of the nine FIRs were reportedly registered within his jurisdiction.
Church leaders fear that confrontations and complaints could increase after the anti-conversion law comes into force. The legislation provides for penalties in cases where conversion is alleged to have taken place through coercion, fraud, force, threats, misrepresentation, undue influence or promises of marriage.
It places the onus on the person facilitating a conversion to establish that it was voluntary. Enhanced penalties apply when the person involved is a minor, woman, member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, or a person of unsound mind.