Maharashtra Churches Restrict VBS Events Amid Conversion Concerns

Protestant churches across Maharashtra are either cancelling Vacation Bible School events or restricting attendance to Christian children this Diwali. The caution follows recent disruptions at prayer meetings in rented halls, schools, and homes by groups identifying as Bajrang Dal or VHP workers who alleged forced conversions. Five such incidents between April and July led to nine police FIRs, mostly against organisers and worshippers. Bishop Prakash D Patole of the CNI Marathwada Diocese stated that churches are being advised not to hold the camps during the Diwali break to avoid complications.

Protective Steps

Smaller churches operating in rented spaces face the highest risk of their gatherings being misrepresented. To build a protective paper trail, many churches holding the camps are now charging a small registration fee of 50 to 100 rupees, installing CCTV cameras, and putting up banners stating the programmes are for Christian children only. Pastors want to prove that children were sent willingly by their parents and not lured in. While institutions with their own properties, such as St Thomas Cathedral in Mumbai and All Saints Cathedral in Nagpur, are proceeding with varying levels of restriction, smaller venues are being far more cautious.

Context

Religious gatherings and conversion allegations have drawn heightened scrutiny and police action across various parts of the state in recent months. Maharashtra's anti-conversion law shifts the burden of proof onto those who facilitate a conversion to show it was voluntary.