India’s New Church Federation Weighs Joint Response to Proposed Funding-Law Changes

The National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) held its first meeting on September 18, 2026, in Bengaluru, about four months after its formation. Approximately 45 archbishops, bishops, church leaders and representatives from different Christian denominations participated. A major topic was the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026. Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, an NFCI convenor, suggested that churches prepare and submit a memorandum explaining their objections to the proposed legislation. He also proposed that the federation seek a meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill. The meeting highlighted the federation's objective of bringing different Christian denominations together to address legal and social issues affecting Christian communities in India. Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and chairman of the NFCI, spoke about the challenges facing churches and emphasized the need for greater cooperation among Christian denominations. The NFCI was launched during a fellowship meeting on May 8, 2026, and its membership is open to bishops and heads of Christian denominations, including those belonging to other councils and synods. The federation also discussed anti-conversion legislation in Karnataka. Archbishop Peter Machado reported on efforts to meet Karnataka’s chief minister and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge concerning the repeal of the state's anti-conversion bill. Other legal matters were also discussed, including a Supreme Court case concerning alleged atrocities against Christians, churches and Christian institutions. Father Anthoniraj Thumma provided an update on another long-pending Supreme Court matter concerning the constitutional rights and equal status of Dalit Christians, as well as the Justice K.G. Balakrishnan Commission. The meeting also established an NFCI core group that can meet regularly and respond to current issues. The group can include additional members and appoint coordinators and executive secretaries who do not necessarily have to be bishops or church heads. Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, an NFCI convenor, described the federation's formation as a step toward greater Christian unity and full communion.