In response to potential disruptions by right-wing groups and the implementation of a new anti-conversion law, several Protestant and independent churches across Maharashtra are scaling back or cancelling their Vacation Bible School (VBS) programmes for Christian children. These programmes, which traditionally feature fun activities like songs, games, crafts, and Bible stories for children aged 5 to 15, have been a time for inter-faith bonding. However, due to concerns over religious conversion allegations, some churches are limiting participation to Christian children.
The new restrictions come in the wake of the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act and a series of incidents where right-wing groups disrupted prayer meetings and other religious gatherings, accusing them of illegal conversions. Gatherings held in rented commercial spaces, banquet halls, and private residences have been targeted, leading to police complaints and FIRs. This heightened fear among organisers about possible confrontations during children's camps.
On August 27, India Today reported that churches in Mumbai and other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region started asking churchgoers to sign self-declaration forms ahead of the anti-conversion law coming into effect on August 28. As a precautionary measure, pastors organising VBS programmes are now putting up banners, registering children in advance, charging fees, installing CCTV cameras, and maintaining records of unfamiliar visitors to establish that no child was lured into attending the camps.
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act criminalises forced, fraudulent, or allurement-based religious conversions, adding to the apprehensions of church organisers who fear that children's activities could also attract allegations of inducement or religious conversion. Pastor Sam K Mathai, secretary of the Palghar Zilla Masih Sangati, confirmed that pastors in Vasai-Virar and Palghar excluded children of other faiths from VBS programmes for the first time in April and will continue this practice during the Diwali break. The restrictions mark a shift in how churches have traditionally conducted VBS programmes following the enactment of Maharashtra's anti-conversion law.