Anti-conversion law: Maharashtra churches seek prayer consent forms from worshippers
Churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are requiring worshippers to sign self-declaration forms to prove their attendance is voluntary. This measure is a response to the new Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act and recent reports of harassment by right-wing groups.
Why it matters
The implementation of anti-conversion laws and the resulting defensive measures by religious institutions highlight growing tensions regarding religious freedom and state oversight in India.
With the a nti-conversion law coming into force in Maharashtra, churches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have begun asking worshippers to fill a self-declaration form, specifying that they are attending prayers of their own will and not under pressure.
These filled declaration forms, taken for "self-safety", will be kept in the church offices to be shown to government or police authorities, if asked, pastor Sam Mathai from Vasai in neighbouring Palghar district told PTI on Tuesday (August 25, 2026).
The collection of forms from worshippers has been underway for the past two to three months, he said.
Mr. Mathai claimed that in the last six months, there have been 11 attacks on churches in the MMR area, especially Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Nalasopara and Bhayander, the satellite towns adjoining Mumbai.
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