The Syro-Malabar Church has said that forcible religious conversions were happening in Kerala, not in Chhattisgarh.

In a statement issued by the Syro Malabar Church media commission, the Church noted that the main allegation against nuns serving in Chhattisgarh was that they were engaging in forcible religious conversion. “However, the significant issue is the forceful religious conversion occurring in Kothamangalam in Ernakulam. A Christian girl ended her life after forceful conversion threats,” the statement said.

The family of the 23-year-old girl from Kothamangalam raised allegations of forcible religious conversion after she died by suicide. A note recovered from the house alleged that she was pressured by her boyfriend and his father to embrace their faith, it said.

It was unfortunate that girls did not realise that “religious fundamentalists were exploiting love as a means to deceive women,” the statement said. “It is expected that the accused will be punished. Political parties should oppose such elements,” it added.

Published – August 12, 2025 02:29 am IST