{
  "id": 3158529,
  "title": "Tough conversion law kicks in Friday, Mumbai pastors ask worshippers to sign form they pray of their own ‘free will’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/tough-conversion-law-kicks-in-friday-mumbai-pastors-ask-worshippers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T01:30:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-anti-conversion-law-mumbai-prayer-meetings-10847949/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Maharashtra anti-conversion law, which became effective on August 28, has led local pastors in Mumbai to ask their worshippers to sign a form claiming they are attending church out of \"free will\" and without any pressure. This self-declaration form requires a passport-size photograph and Aadhaar or PAN number, with the form being distributed in English, Marathi, and Hindi to congregations in Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Palghar, and Thane. The law follows a series of prayer disruptions at Sunday meetings over the past five months, resulting in nine FIRs linked to five such incidents between April and July. The forms are seen as a precautionary measure to protect worshippers from potential attacks and as proof that they are attending voluntarily. Some, like Pastor Steven Rozario from New Hope Church in Virar, feel this is a necessary step given the ongoing disruptions, while others, such as Anita Patel, feel it infringes upon their freedom of choice. The Maharashtra Christian Development Association sees the forms as a security measure to clarify that people are attending their own free will.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Maharashtra anti-conversion law effective August 28",
    "Mumbai pastors ask worshippers to sign free will form",
    "Forms distributed in English, Marathi, Hindi"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The new law has prompted pastors in Mumbai to take extra precautions, requiring worshippers to sign a form affirming they attend church voluntarily, a move seen as both a protective measure and an infringement on personal freedom.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}