Bishop Michael Nazir–Ali calls for release of arrested Indian pastor
Release International Patron Bishop Michael Nazir–Ali has called for the immediate release of an Indian pastor accused of bribing Muslims to convert to Christianity.
Pastor Chander Mani Khanna from Srinagar was arrested after being summoned by a local Muslim mufti (religious leader) to appear before a Sharia court – and answer allegations of converting Muslim children by offering bribes.
According to AsiaNews a video appeared on YouTube showing Pastor Khanna baptising Muslim converts. Witnesses claim that police beat the converts to make them give evidence against the pastor.
As tensions grow there are fears for Pastor Khanna’s life and that a fatwa may be issued against him.
Release Patron Bishop Michael Nazir–Ali says: ‘I know the Reverend Chander Mani Khanna and he is a respected parish priest of the Church of North India who would never use underhand methods to evangelise.
‘I am astonished that such a person can be arrested by an India committed to religious freedom and democracy. I call not only for his immediate and unconditional release but also for protection for him and his family. Let us pray that freedom and justice will prevail in Kashmir for everyone: Muslim, Christian and Hindu.’
Pastor Khanna denies the claims. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) believes the charges arose because the pastor failed to get a local Muslim’s son into the Christian school of his choice.
The GCIC has written to the Government of Jammu and Indian Kashmir to intervene on behalf of the pastor, who leads All Saints Church (part of the Church of North India).
According to AsiaNews, police arrested Pastor Khanna on grounds of promoting enmity between religious groups and outraging religious feeling.
The GCIC reports that tensions between Muslims and Christians in Kashmir have been rising since last year when a US pastor burnt copies of the Koran in public.
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serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and working for justice.