India: U.S. Christians Expelled

Three American women who entered India on tourist visas were asked to leave last week following complaints by Hindu organizations that they were part of a religious conversion drive in the city of Kochi, Kerala state.

“We have not received any evidence to indicate the three women were engaged in conversion-related activities. However, they were about to attend religious prayer sessions. Their tourist visa does not allow them to attend any meeting, including prayer sessions. We were not clear about their intentions. That is why we asked them to leave the country, and they agreed,” said District Superintendent of Police Asok Kumar.

The three women, one from Wisconsin and two from Pennsylvania, were organizing prayer sessions along with local pastors in an area that is predominantly Hindu and Muslim. Right-wing Hindu organizations launched a protest, alleging that the women were trying to convert poor people by offering bribes.