Maharashtra churches ask devotees to sign self-declaration forms under new anti-conversion law

With the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 coming into force, churches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have begun collecting self-declaration forms from worshippers, stating that they are attending prayers voluntarily. The forms, intended for the safety of congregants, will be kept in church offices and shown to authorities if required, according to pastors.

Pastor Sam Mathai from Vasai in Palghar district told PTI that the collection of forms has been underway for two to three months. He claimed that in the last six months, there have been 11 attacks on churches in the MMR area, particularly in Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Nalasopara and Bhayander. Mathai alleged that right-wing groups enter churches without intimation and beat up people. He said pastors and community leaders decided on the self-declaration as a precaution. "We don't force anyone to come and pray. The Indian Constitution allows everyone to pray of their own will," he stated.

There are over 4,000 churches in MMR. According to Mathai, some churches are asking forms only from those who are not born Christians, while others require all regular worshippers to fill them.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, came into force following presidential assent and its official gazette notification on July 30. The law provides for action against religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage. Under the new law, a person intending to embrace another faith must inform the district magistrate at least 60 days in advance. Violations can lead to up to seven years in prison.

Pastor Devdan Tribhuvan from Bhandup in Mumbai said churches maintain a database of regular worshippers. "We are peaceful people and never retaliate. We have decided to get a self-declaration from those who come to the church that they are coming to pray at the church," he said. He claimed that in the last two years, there have been attacks on churches by people who forcibly disrupt prayers to inquire about the proceedings. Tribhuvan, president of the Christian Development Association, questioned accusations of forced conversions, noting that the community comprises only 2.3% of the population. "Lakhs of students study in our educational institutes; nobody converts. Non-Christians work and study in our institutions. If the accusations were true, wouldn't our numbers increase?" he asked.

Dolphy D'Souza, spokesperson for the Bombay Catholic Sabha, said the community is upset and anguished over the situation arising from the new law. He claimed there have been instances of elements disturbing prayer services due to false accusations of forced conversions. "This troubles us and disrupts our prayer services. Our churches are open to everyone. Many come for peace of mind and meditation. The idea of a consent form or self-declaration is to protect the interest of the community and the church. We don't want innocent people to be victims of violence," he said.

D'Souza added that the self-declaration is meant to confirm that everyone is coming to the church of their own free will. He expressed hope that the police would enforce the rule of law equally for all. "We want the police to protect the community and give us safety when we do our prayer services," he added.

The church leaders maintained that the forms are not a challenge to the law but a measure to ensure transparency and protect worshippers from harassment. The development comes as communities across the state adjust to the new legal framework governing religious conversions.