International Christian Concern reported September 22 that Christian educational institutions in West Bengal, India, are facing increased government scrutiny and pressure surrounding allegations of religious conversion.
Officials have visited St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata and Serampore College, two prominent Christian educational institutions in the state.
St. Xavier’s College is operated by the Roman Catholic Church, while Serampore College has historic ties to Protestant missionary work in India.
According to International Christian Concern, allegations circulating on social media have claimed that Serampore College has been used for religious conversions. The organization described those allegations as unverified but said they have contributed to increased pressure surrounding the institution.
A theology faculty member at Serampore College, speaking anonymously to International Christian Concern, expressed concern about the implications for religious freedom and Christian education.
Serampore College has played an important role in Christian education in India for more than two centuries. Founded in 1818 by Baptist missionaries William Carey, Joshua Marshman and William Ward, the institution later received a Royal Charter granting it degree-conferring authority.
Its theological education system has also developed connections with numerous seminaries and theological colleges across India.
International Christian Concern additionally reported that financial pressures and restrictions involving foreign funding have created challenges for Christian institutions and ministries.
The developments come amid broader debate in India over religious conversion, anti-conversion laws and the ability of religious minorities to operate educational and ministry institutions.
Christian advocacy organizations have argued that increased scrutiny of Christian institutions can interfere with religious freedom. Indian authorities and supporters of anti-conversion measures, meanwhile, have said such laws and investigations are intended to prevent conversion through force, fraud or improper inducement.
The situation surrounding the West Bengal colleges remains developing, and the conversion allegations reported against Serampore College have not been independently established.
