In Wednesday’s RNS report Achal Narayanan reports from India where a pro-Hindu ruling party may restrict Christian conversions: Religious conversion has emerged as a volatile social and political issue in India, where a pro-Hindu ruling party in several states is pushing legislation to restrict what it characterizes as forced Christian conversions that disrupt national harmony. The moves have prompted an outcry from Christian leaders, who deny forcing any conversions and say such legislation would be an egregious violation of religious freedom protected by the Indian constitution and recognized internationally as a fundamental human right. Christians comprise less than 3 percent of the Indian population, which is predominantly Hindu. “We have not converted anyone by force, fraud or by allurement,” said Roman Catholic Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, archbishop of Ranchi in a recent interaction with the media.
Religious blogs are providing a new outlet for dissenters and critics, reports G. Jeffrey MacDonald: For as long as preachers have been engaging listeners, critics have been muttering nearby about the need for more enlightened leadership. Even Moses couldn’t catch a break from his band of desert-wandering Israelites, who feared he was trying to kill them. Now, thanks to blogs and other Internet postings, critics in every faith tradition are getting a hearing far beyond the synagogue, church or mosque parking lot. That means religious leaders are listening, too-and responding in ways that show how religious authority is shifting in the 21st century. Bloggers well-versed in Scriptures, church rules and even poignant personal testimonies are challenging official policies and winning followers of their own.
