Urgent: Pray for Indian Christians under pressure to de-convert

Christians in India are asking you to urgently pray over the next several days as some tribal believers are under tremendous pressure to go back to their previous faith. If they don't do so at a "Ghar Wapsi" (an event meaning "homecoming," where converts return to their former beliefs) on April 30, they are being threatened with significant consequences.

The threats are being made by a prominent organization that represents tribal communities in Chhattisgarh state, one of the places in India with the most restrictive anti-conversion laws—laws that make it very difficult to leave your previous faith if you follow Jesus. On April 7, the organization, Sarva Adivasi Samaj (an umbrella organization of tribal groups, most prominent in Chhattisgarh), assembled around 800 people demanding the reconversion of any Christian converts. At that meeting, village representatives from several villages alleged that attempts to convert people away from traditional customs and faith in tribal deities are increasing in the area. They stated that such conversions will not be tolerated within the community.

Although no specific individuals were named, they demanded strict action against those who have converted. The main speaker emphasized that this is not only a religious issue but also a matter of social existence. At the event, it was clear that conversion to Christianity was viewed as a threat to cultural and ethnic identity, rather than "only" religious conversion. Representatives of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj have appealed to the administration to intervene immediately to maintain peace and preserve traditions in the area.

Such meetings are being held regularly to formulate strategies to reconvert those who have embraced Christianity. The invitation was also extended to the converted families, but none of them attended.

Sarva Adivasi Samaj threatened mass protests and legal action against those who do not comply, citing the new Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which places significant restrictions on the freedom to convert.

Due to increasing social pressure, some families have expressed their willingness to undergo the Ghar Wapsi ceremony, while several other Christians are reportedly living in fear of large-scale protests and forced reconversions.

Tribal Christians in Chhattisgarh need your prayers as they are being threatened and pressured to reconvert.

Here's how you can pray:

• Pray for the tribal Christians, especially new converts, who are undergoing immense pressure to reconvert to their ancestral religion. Pray that they remain steadfast in their faith.
• Pray for the authorities as they make decisions, that they act fairly and justly without bias or political influence. Pray they would be able to keep the peace and protect people of all faiths.
• Please pray for the churches in this region and for religious freedom. Ask that they will continue to grow in the Lord, gather freely for worship and stand with the converts and support them spiritually.