Chhattisgarh Churches Exclude Non‑Christians from Prayer Gatherings Amid Conversion Controversy

Church leaders across Chhattisgarh have announced that non‑Christian participants will no longer be permitted to join regular prayer meetings. The decision comes as the state witnesses heightened scrutiny over alleged religious conversions, prompting some congregations to tighten attendance rules.
Officials from the affected churches said the move is intended to protect the sanctity of worship and to avoid being drawn into the broader conversion controversy that has attracted media and political attention.
The exclusion has sparked discussion among civil‑rights groups, who warn that such measures could deepen communal divides. State authorities have not yet commented on whether the policy aligns with existing religious‑freedom statutes.
Observers note that Chhattisgarh has seen periodic debates over conversion activities, with occasional legal interventions. The churches’ stance adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about religious practice and inter‑faith interaction in the region.