The Church in India has always, maintained that there can never be conversion under force or dúress. Forcible conversion is a contradiction in terms. It is neither accepted nor recognised by the Church.

However, citizens of India have the fundamental right to choose what religion they will practice, or not practice. This is enshrined in the Constitution.

We believe healthy debate is essential in a democracy on all issues of public interest, if such debate does not serve narrow sectarian interests but should involve all religions, especially Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and others. It must therefore be clear that a debate on basic definition of religious freedom must only be to strengthen the Fundamental Rights and basic structure of the Constitution and the pluralistic heritage of India, which is universally recognized and is characteristic of our nation.