Sign before praying: A new conversion law is affecting churchgoers in Indian state

Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, A new anti-conversion law in Maharashtra has sparked fears among Christians ByJanhavee Moole, BBC Marathi, Mumbai and Zoya Mateen, BBC News, DelhiSome churches in and around India's financial capital Mumbai have begun asking worshippers to give a declaration in writing - "I came here to pray of my own free will."Visitors write down their names, sometimes add an ID card number, and sign to say that nobody forced or enticed them to attend church. The forms, a copy of which the BBC has seen, have no official standing. Churches keep them in case a prayer meeting is challenged and its organisers are accused of trying to convert those inside.The practice began at some churches in late August, just before a new law against religious conversion took effect in Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital.The law prohibits religious conversions brought about by force, fraud, coercion or inducement. It also requires people who want to convert voluntarily to notify authorities in advance. An unlawful conversion can lead to a prison sentence of up to seven years, rising to 10 for a repeat offence.Maharashtra's government says the law protect...