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The Archdiocese of Bombay has voiced “deep concern” over a new anti-conversion law that it says could penalize the work of the Church in the state of Maharashtra, and reflects an ongoing effort to intimidate religious minorities — including Christians — across much of India.
The archdiocese said in a statement last week that while the Catholic Church “has always unequivocally condemned conversion through force, fraud, coercion or inducement,” similar laws in other Indian states have been “used more often to intimidate religious minorities than to address genuine instances of wrongdoing.”
“Experience in other States raises serious concerns that such legislation can place a disproportionate burden on Christian communities, inter-faith couples and others exercising the constitutionally protected freedom to profess, practise and propagate their faith,” the archdiocese said.
The archdiocese released its statement following reports that Indian President Droupadi Murmu had approved the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, paving the way for it to go into effect.
The second most populous state in India, Maharashtra will become the 13th state to adopt an anti-conversion law, with the stated
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