Christian Leaders Mobilize Against Arunachal Pradesh’s Freedom of Religion Act

Itanagar, February 20, 2025 – The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) has reignited debates on religious freedom, with concerns that it could be misused to target minority communities. Bishop Benny Varghese of Itanagar has shared his concerns, noting that the law could disproportionately impact the Christian community. Similar to anti-conversion laws in 11 other states, APFRA mandates that individuals seeking to convert must report their decision to the District Magistrate, ensuring conversions are voluntary and not induced by force or fraud.

"Our first decision was to create awareness among people about how this law will impact our community," he told Catholic Connect. Following discussions, Christian communities across Arunachal Pradesh united in a week-long fast and prayer, culminating on February 17 with nearly 7,000 people gathering for a hunger strike in the state capital.

The bishop also referenced a recent article by Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, titled “War on Faith or Forced Conversions?” He commended the Archbishop for aptly capturing the core of the issue and expressed his full agreement with his insights.

He underscored the importance of the upcoming February 21 meeting between Christian leaders and government officials. "This discussion will determine whether the Arunachal Christian Forum will gherao the state assembly on March 6, when the Act is likely to be tabled before its implementation," Bishop Varghese said.

He highlighted the growth of Christianity in Arunachal Pradesh, where the Christian population has risen from just 1% in 1971 to a significant number today. He expressed concerns that the law might be used to unduly restrict the Christian Community.

Bishop Varghese also warned of the challenges this law poses for the Catholic Church. "If someone wishes to be baptised, they cannot do so freely. The Church would be answerable to the state, required to report conversions and prove they were voluntary," he explained. He pointed out how similar laws in other states have been misused to target Christian communities.

Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed that the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh has always coexisted peacefully with other religious groups. "We have always lived in harmony and have never engaged in forced conversions,” he said. 

As the state prepares to discuss APFRA in the assembly, the Christian community awaits the outcome of negotiations, hoping for a resolution that safeguards religious freedom while maintaining communal harmony.

As a final thought, Bishop Varghese echoed the sentiments expressed in Archbishop Peter Machado’s article, stating that the debate over religious freedom extends beyond any one community. As the Archbishop aptly wrote, “If India truly aspires to be a civilised democracy, it must trust its people to make their own choices. If we continue down this path, we risk becoming a nation that outlaws hope, criminalises compassion, and legislates fear. And that is the greatest conversion of all—the conversion of a democracy into an autocracy.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Photo credit: Arunachal Times