Pastor tells Hindu children to ‘Stop worshipping Hindu gods and follow Bible’, sparks protests
A video circulating on social media shows Hindu activists questioning a man identified as Pastor Gypsum Thomas Williams over Christian conversion activities in villages linked to Bhopal. Children and families seen in the footage speak about leaving Hindu worship and following the Bible.
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A video circulating widely on social media on September 24, shows Hindu activists confronting a man identified as Pastor Gypsum Thomas Williams over Christian conversion activities in villages around Bhopal.
The footage shows a group of people gathered inside a room, with families and children seated on the floor. A man wearing a navy suit and tie, identified in social media posts as Pastor Williams, is questioned by the activists about religious conversion activities.
In the video, activists question the pastor about Christian religious activities being conducted in villages. Social media posts accompanying the footage claim that the pastor acknowledged that conversion-related work was taking place.
The footage also shows children and families being questioned about their religious practices. Some children are heard speaking about no longer worshipping Hindu deities and following the Bible instead.
The video has triggered a strong reaction on social media, with several users calling for action by the Madhya Pradesh government and police.
Hindu organisations and activists have shared the footage while alleging that Christian groups are targeting Hindu families in villages through religious activities.
The issue has gained attention because Madhya Pradesh has strict laws dealing with religious conversion. The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, prohibits conversion through force, fraud, allurement or misrepresentation. The law also contains provisions relating to religious conversion involving minors and other vulnerable persons.
Under the law, allegations involving inducement or coercion can lead to criminal proceedings. The legislation also requires certain procedures to be followed in cases of religious conversion.
In the video, women and children are seen sitting alongside other people while questions are put to the pastor. The activists question the gathering and the religious activities allegedly being conducted in the area.