Concerns grow as Church questions foreign funding reforms

Syro Malabar Church calls on Indian government to address concerns over proposed FCRA amendments, warning they could hinder charitable, educational and healthcare services for the poor.

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The head of the Syro Malabar Church has urged India’s government to address concerns over proposed changes to foreign funding laws, warning they could restrict charitable activities and harm marginalised communities if implemented without safeguards.

In a press release dated March 31, the Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church Mar Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly called for amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to ensure they do not impede the functioning of legally compliant institutions and faith-based organisations.

He stressed that the proposed provisions “should be in a manner that does not obstruct the functioning freedom of transparent and law-abiding voluntary and educational institutions,” reflecting broader concerns within Christian communities.

Concerns over impact on charitable work

The archbishop warned that the measures being considered by the central government risk undermining the work of organisations engaged in social service, particularly those run by the Church.

He said the regulations “should not be intended to destroy lawful organisations and the charitable activities of Christian Churches,” emphasising the importance of such work in India’s social development.

Highlighting the Church’s contribution, the statement noted that its institutions have played a “decisive” role in the country’s social development history, especially in reaching vulnerable populations.

It pointed to a wide range of services, including homes for the destitute, palliative care centres, rehabilitation facilities for persons with disabilities, AIDS care centres and free dialysis units, which serve people regardless of caste or religion.

The statement added that such initiatives rely on both local support and foreign funds to deliver “quality healthcare services and quality education even in villages.”

Warning against restrictive enforcement

Archbishop Thattil also expressed concern over the manner in which the law could be enforced, particularly regarding punitive measures for minor infractions.

He warned against moves to cancel licences or seize assets based on “minor delays in submitting reports or technical errors in auditing,” describing such actions as questionable and disproportionate.

He urged the government to adopt an approach rooted in trust rather than suspicion, saying legislation should not place voluntary organisations and religious institutions “under the shadow of suspicion.”

Instead, Archbishop Thattil called for legal frameworks that support and recognise the contributions of these organisations, especially in serving the poor and marginalised.

The statement further described any disruption to such services as “a betrayal towards the poor and the marginalised,” underlining the ethical dimension of the issue.

Call for dialogue and parliamentary scrutiny

The archbishop appealed for the government to engage constructively with concerns already raised by various Christian denominations regarding the proposed amendments.

He urged authorities “to be ready to resolve the concerns that have arisen in connection with the proposed amendment,” signalling the need for dialogue and reconsideration.

With the issue expected to come up for discussion in Parliament, he also called on lawmakers from Kerala to participate actively and responsibly in the debate.

The major archbishop appealed to Members of Parliament “to participate actively in the discussions by taking into account the common good,” stressing the importance of balanced and inclusive policymaking.

The statement aligns with similar responses from other Church leaders across India, reflecting growing unease among religious and civil society groups over the potential implications of the FCRA amendments.

As the debate continues, the Syro Malabar Church’s intervention highlights the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and the need to preserve the vital role of non-governmental and faith-based organisations in social welfare.

(Editor’s note: On April 1, the Indian government, following protests from opposition parties and various Church groups, has temporarrily put the bill on hold.)