Several states in India have passed what are referred to as “anti-conversion laws,” which ban religious conversion by force or through financial benefits. Activists warn that such laws have intensified attacks and prosecution of Christian individuals and groups. Today India blocked foreign donations to Mother Teresa's Christian charity for the poor.
Under the current Prime Minister such attacks are growing. It is at a point where Hindu activist can just claim (without evidence) that a Christian group is trying to convert Indian people and the police will turn a blind eye to any attacks on them. Compassion International, which helped 147,000 children in India left India 3 years ago as the persecutions were in their early stages. Last week, a mob of 200 to 300 people stormed a Christian school in Madhya Pradesh while students were taking their exams and threw stones at the building.Pray for Christians in India. It is a small blip in a small country but it could spread.
Behind gates on a golf course in Spring, there is a parsonage - identified in 2013 paperwork as the home of Champions Community Church Founding Pastor Steve Austin - boasts a pool and hot tub with fountains, wine grotto and outdoor kitchen. Zillow says it's worth over $1 million. He pays ZERO taxes on it because its designated a "parsonage" One of several in the state of Texas. When the tax bills come due, the residents of the area have to make up the difference (loss) for school districts or other things property taxes are designated for. In other words the pastor who thinks he is getting a free ride is actually being paid for by his neighbors .
In Travis County, Texas the 3,700-square-foot Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary parsonage set on slightly less than an acre is appraised at $3.33 million. If it weren’t designated a parsonage, the property’s owner would contribute $72,500 a year in taxes.
