An unusual notice outside the 125‑year‑old Sunderganj Mennonite Church in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, has sparked debate after declaring that only Christians are permitted to enter for prayers. The sign, written in Hindi, adds that non‑Christians entering voluntarily would be “responsible for their choice.”
The notices appeared days after the district administration received a steady flow of applications from non‑Christians stating they were visiting churches of their own free will. This development comes just weeks after Chhattisgarh’s strict anti‑conversion law came into effect, intensifying scrutiny of religious institutions across the state.
Local residents say the signs have caught the attention of passers‑by, raising questions about freedom of worship and the impact of new legal restrictions. Church representatives argue the notices are precautionary, aimed at protecting congregations from allegations of forced conversion.
The issue highlights the tension between religious freedom and state regulation in Chhattisgarh, where authorities have tightened oversight of conversions and religious gatherings. With the law still fresh, both communities and officials are navigating its implications, while civil society voices warn against measures that could stigmatise voluntary worship.
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