Tribal leaders join forces with extremists

DURULA, India — Five Christian convert families in eastern India were at a worship service in October when their homes were vandalized by tribal leaders under the influence of Hindu extremists.

When the families returned they were verbally abused and threatened with expulsion from the village and seizure of their farmland. Three of the five families converted back to the tribal religion, Sarnaism, a source said. One family filed a formal complaint.

In other villages tribal leaders have locked church-owned buildings, prevented farmers from accessing their lands and even barred individuals from areas used as restrooms. One tribe told their male members they were permitted to rape Christian women.

India ranked 11th on Christian support organization Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List of countries where Christians experience the most persecution. (MS)