Pastor arrested and charged in Madhya Pradesh, India, following baseless conversion accusation

A pastor in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh was arrested following a baseless accusation that he was bribing people to convert to Christianity.

A complaint filed by members of extremist organisations alleged that Pastor Briton Phillips, who ministers in the city of Jabalpur, was offering 5,000 rupees (around £40; $48; €44) to anybody who converted.

The complaint further alleged that converts could receive a further 3,000 rupees (around £23; $28; €25) commission for recommending another person for conversion.

These allegations were made after extremists forced their way into Pastor Briton’s home during a worship service on Sunday 5 July.

Pastor Briton, whose leg was amputated two months ago because of diabetes, has denied the allegations.

He was charged and released on bail after being imprisoned for three days. His health deteriorated during his time in jail.

The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, or “anti-conversion law”, prohibits seeking converts through force or coercion.

Thirteen Indian states have anti-conversion laws.

The case demonstrates the danger faced by Indian Christians, and particularly church leaders, as these laws provide opportunities for extremists to make spurious accusations to the authorities.

This article was originally published on https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/news/pastor-arrested-and-charged-in-madhya-pradesh-india-following-baseless-c/