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Orissa's population is mostly Dalit, the lowest rung in traditional Hindu society. Christianity represents relative security for a convert, since India has many reputable Christian schools, hospitals, and charities. "Conversion is basically equal to development," said Sam Paul. For that reason, many Hindus claim that converts to Christianity were bribed or tricked into it.

The majority of conversions are for spiritual reasons, Paul said. But some are more motivated by the possibility of increased social standing.

The violence may get worse in the run-up to India's general elections in spring 2009. The BJP wants to replace the Congress Party, and Swarup said one of its main tactics will be to show that the current government cannot maintain order. Meanwhile, the mobs stoke nationalist Hindu sentiment as they scapegoat the Christian minority.

Although Orissa has had anti-conversion laws since the mid-20th century, Swarup and other Christians cite the national constitution and their spiritual obligation to preach their faith.

"If we believe the gospel is life eternal for a person, if it is Good News to the poor, why should that Good News be stopped? It's their choice whether to accept or not, but it is their basic human right to hear that news."

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

See also Christianity Today's editorial on the recent violence in India, "Terror in Orissa."

Christianity Today's previous coverage of India can be found here, including these articles:

India's Burning Issue | Conversions in Orissa—and the violent reaction against them—highlight tension in India's not-so-dead caste system. (January 1, 2008)

Caste Down | Commission's decision imperils benefits for Christian Dalits. (January 15, 2008)

Premeditated Mobs | Hindu extremists exploit economic fears to launch attacks on Christians. (February 15, 2008)

Several news outlets have written about the developments in India.

Bishop says the "worm has turned" after Indian Christians attack Hindu | Bishop Nazir-Ali appeals for Christian restraint in face of Hindu violence. (The Times of London)

Three arrested over India killing | Three people in the eastern Indian state of Orissa have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Hindu leader in August, police say. (BBC)

Fresh violence in Kandhamal, curfew reimposed-India | Curfew was reimposed in nine major locations in Kandhamal on Wednesday amid fresh attacks on Christian prayer halls in some parts of the riot-ravaged district. (The Times of India)

India struggles with Hindu attacks on Christians | Nearly a year of attacks on Christians have put India's leaders on edge, and the latest flare-up in violence drew an angry denunciation from the country's Sikh prime minister as 'acts of national shame.' (Associated Press)

More religious violence in Orissa | A Hindu woman has been killed as police have tried to control more violence between Christians and Hindus in the eastern Indian state of Orissa. (BBC)

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November 2008, Vol. 52, No. 11