Indian Christians Urge Amendment of UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In India, this week's issue of Organiser reports that the Bangalore Initiative for Religious Dialogue, in a letter signed by 700 Christians, says it opposes "aggressive faith marketing" by any group. It also calls on the government of India and other nations to seek an amendment to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to qualify the provision that protects religious freedom, including the right to change one's religious belief. The letter suggests an added sentence at the end of Art. 18 of the Universal Declaration that would provide: "However, no individual or organisation may seek to convert an individual or a group of individuals, including minors or individuals of limited cognitive abilities, formally or informally, from one religion to another by offering financial or other material incentives; through physical, mental or emotional coercion; or through threats or intimidation of any kind."