India: Authorities Issue Warrant For US Pastor

Police in the southern state of Kerala have issued an arrest warrant for American evangelist William A Lee on charges of violating the terms of his visa.

AR Ajithkumar, commissioner of police in Kochi, the commercial hub of the state, accused Lee yesterday of absconding after a case was filed against him for addressing a prayer meeting in Kaloor.

Ajitkumar said Lee, the founder of Tennessee-based Lee Ministry International, and a group of fellow members arrived in India six months ago and have addressed several prayer and healing meetings in violation of visa regulations.

He said airports have been alerted to detain Lee and that he would be deported once he was apprehended.

Those visiting the country on a tourist visa are prohibited from addressing prayer meetings or charismatic conventions, he said.

Ajitkumar added that a case has also been filed against organizers of the Kaloor prayer and healing session attended by Lee, who is suspected of having conducted similar meetings on several occasions in various parts of the country.