Christian Leader Writes Open Letter to Maharashtra CM on the Proposed Freedom of Religion Bill

Maharashtra, Nov 14, 2025: In an open letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Christian leader Raphael D’Souza—Past President of the Bombay Catholic Sabha and former Secretary General of the All India Catholic Union—has objected to the proposed Freedom of Religion Bill. Citing census data and rising attacks on Christians, he questions the need for such a law and urges the Chief Minister to reconsider the proposal in the interest of peace and justice. The full text of his letter is given below.

Respected Chief Minister Sir,

I write to you with deep concern regarding the proposed Freedom of Religion Bill that your government intends to introduce in the State of Maharashtra.

Recently, the Christian community in Mumbai publicly denounced the bill’s draconian provisions. 

Religion is a matter of personal belief — the form of God one worships is sacred and individual.

The right to practice, preach, and propagate one’s faith is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution, subject only to reasonable restrictions to prevent public disorder. The Constitution clearly states that the State has no role in matters of personal faith.

Yet, under the pretext of curbing forced conversions, nearly a dozen States have enacted “Freedom of Religion Acts.” The first such law was passed in Odisha in 1967. Since then, 11 more states have followed, each introducing increasingly stringent penal provisions. Despite innumerable complaints (FIRs) filed against Christian missionaries, and despite numerous attacks on individuals, institutions, and places of worship, the conviction rate remains virtually zero. This dismal record suggests that these laws have been misused to obstruct the charitable and educational work carried out by Christian organizations, especially among marginalized communities. In states where Freedom of Religion Acts are enforced, evidence shows that they tend to increase disharmony, fuel violence, and arose trust in governance and fellow citizens.

Maharashtra, until now, has stood as a beacon of secular governance, resisting the tide of anti-conversion legislation. It has remained unaffected by the noise surrounding so-called forced conversions. However, it now appears that the urge to introduce such a law has reached your administration too.

Do the statistics warrant such legislation?

Let us turn to the census. In 1960, when Maharashtra was formed, Hindus comprised about 82.24% of the population, while Christians accounted for about 1.42%. By 2001, the Hindu population had grown from 32.5 million (1961) to 77.8 million, while the Christian population grew from 560,594 to 1,058,313 — a decline in percentage from 1.42% to 0.96%. At the national level too, the Christian population has seen negative growth — from 2.44% in 1961 to 2.30% in 2011.

While the population data shows a decline, the number of attacks on Christians tells a different story. Between 2014 and 2024, incidents of violence against Christians rose sharply — from 147 in 2014 to 840 in 2024.

Given these facts, I pose a simple question: Is the Freedom of Religion Bill truly necessary, or is it a political tool to appease fundamentalist elements within the majority community and to harass Christians firbthe good work done? Are we not risking communal discord by introducing such legislation? I fear this bill will serve only to obstruct acts of charity, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.

As the Chief Minister — the CEO of this great state — you bear the responsibility of safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith. Be they Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or Christian, every citizen looks to you for protection against the misuse of law.

I sincerely hope that wisdom prevails when the legislators convene in Nagpur, and that you will stand among those who oppose this bill.

God bless you.

By Catholic Connect Reporter