Churches across India's Mumbai Metropolitan Region have begun asking worshippers to fill out a self-declaration form, stating that they are attending prayers of their own will and not under pressure.

Church leaders say the forms are a safety measure amid alleged disruptions of prayer services and accusations of forced religious conversion, The Federal reported on Aug, 26;

Church offices are keeping the forms as a precaution and they can be produced before police or government authorities if required, pastors and community representatives have said, The Clarion reported on Aug. 26

The practice has reportedly been followed in some churches over the past two to three months, according to reports.

Pastor Sam Mathai of Vasai in Palghar district said some churches were collecting declarations from non-Christians attending services, while others were asking even regular worshippers to sign them.

Mathai noted that in the last six months, there have been 11 attacks on churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region area, especially in Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Nalasopara and Bhayander, the satellite towns adjoining Mumbai.

"Right-wing groups enter churches without intimation and beat up people. It was then that pastors and community leaders came together to find a solution. We don't force anyone to come and pray. The Indian Constitution allows everyone to pray of their own will," he asserted.

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, received Presidential assent and was notified in the official gazette in India on July 30.

It provides for action against conversions allegedly carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage.

Under the law, anyone intending to convert to another religion must inform the local district magistrate at least 60 days in advance, while violations of the prescribed procedures can lead to a jail sentence of up to seven years.

Bombay Catholic Sabha spokesperson Dolphy D'Souza said the community was concerned that accusations of forced conversion could lead to further disruptions and violence.

He explained that churches remain open to people of all faiths and that many people visit them for prayer, peace and meditation.

"The idea of a consent form or self-declaration is to protect the interest of the community and the church," D'Souza said, stressing that the community wanted police to ensure safety and enforce the law equally.