Maharashtra Churches Restrict Bible Camps Amid Fears of Conversion Allegations

MUMBAI, November 11, 2026: Several Protestant and independent churches across Maharashtra are restricting Vacation Bible School (VBS) programmes to Christian children or cancelling them altogether amid fears of disruption by right-wing groups and allegations of unlawful religious conversion.

Churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Vasai-Virar, Palghar and Pune are adopting a cautious approach to programmes traditionally organised during the summer and Diwali holidays. Pastors say the changing situation, particularly following the introduction of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, has prompted them to take additional precautions when organising activities for children.

VBS programmes usually bring together children aged between five and 15 for songs, games, crafts and Bible stories. In the past, Christian children often invited friends from other religious backgrounds to participate. However, some churches have now decided to limit attendance to Christian children to avoid potential allegations of religious inducement or conversion.

Fears of Disruption and Legal Action

The restrictions come amid concerns over incidents in which right-wing groups have disrupted prayer meetings and other Christian gatherings, alleging illegal religious conversions.

Some meetings held in rented commercial premises, banquet halls and private residences have reportedly faced interruptions, leading to police complaints and the registration of first information reports (FIRs). Church leaders fear that children's programmes could also become targets of similar allegations and confrontations.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, which criminalises religious conversions carried out through force, fraud or allurement, has further heightened these concerns among church organisers. They fear that even activities intended for religious instruction and recreation could be misrepresented as attempts to influence children to change their faith.

Churches Introduce Precautionary Measures

In response, pastors and church authorities are introducing additional safeguards to demonstrate that participation in VBS programmes is voluntary.

Measures include advance registration of children, charging participation fees, displaying banners announcing the nature of the programmes, installing CCTV cameras and maintaining records of unfamiliar visitors.

The precautions follow similar steps taken by churches ahead of the law coming into force on 28 August. On 27 August, India Today reported that churches in Mumbai and other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region had begun asking members to sign self-declaration forms amid concerns about possible intervention during prayer meetings and allegations of forced conversions.

A Change in Long-standing Practice

Pastor Sam K Mathai, secretary of the Palghar Zilla Masih Sangati, said churches in Vasai-Virar and Palghar had excluded children from other religious communities from their VBS programmes in April for the first time. He said the practice would continue during the Diwali holiday period.

“Churches are adapting measures such as registering children in advance, installing CCTV cameras and keeping records of unfamiliar visitors. Whoever is organising VBS is taking all precautions,” Mathai said.

The decision represents a significant departure from the traditional approach to Vacation Bible School programmes, which have often welcomed children from different faith backgrounds.

For many churches, the priority is now to ensure that children's activities can continue without attracting allegations or confrontation. However, the restrictions also mean that opportunities for children from different communities to participate together in these programmes are becoming increasingly limited.

Courtesy : India Today

Picture Courtesy : India Today