Bishops announce prayer day in India amid foreign funding concerns

NEW DELHI (Indian Catholic News) — The head of the Indian Catholic bishops’ conference has requested that June 28 be observed as a National Day of Prayer across India amid concerns over a proposed amendment to the country’s foreign funding law.

In a circular dated June 17, Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, asked Catholics nationwide to pray for the country, public officials and the Church’s ability to continue its ministries as Parliament prepares to consider the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act Amendment Bill 2026.

“The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, which is expected to be considered during the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, has raised concerns regarding its possible implications for the charitable, educational, healthcare, and social ministries carried out by Churches and Christian institutions across our country,” Cardinal Poola wrote.

The cardinal said the Church in India has “consistently served society, particularly the poor and the marginalized, as an expression of the Gospel values of love, justice, and compassion.”

Cardinal Poola called on bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful to unite in prayer with other Christian communities, describing the initiative as an “ecumenical expression of our common faith and concern.” He said believers should seek God’s “wisdom, guidance, and protection” as they respond to the proposed legislation.

‘Peaceful and democratic expression of our concern’

“I therefore request that Sunday, 28 June 2026, be observed throughout the Catholic Church in India as a National Day of Prayer,” he wrote. During Masses that day, special intentions may be offered “for our nation, for those entrusted with public responsibility, and for the freedom of the Church to carry out her mission of service.”

The circular also encouraged dioceses, parishes and institutions to organize Eucharistic adoration, rosaries, prayer services and voluntary fasting where appropriate. Local communities were invited to consider ecumenical prayer gatherings with other Christian denominations.

In addition to prayer, the CBCI president urged a civic response — “a peaceful and democratic expression of our concern”. He encouraged Church communities to prepare memorandums expressing concerns about the proposed legislation and its possible impact on Church ministries. The documents, signed by faithful and “all people of goodwill,” could be submitted to the central government through local members of Parliament and state legislators.

“As responsible citizens, let us continue to work for peace, justice, harmony, and the common good of our nation,” Cardinal Poola wrote.

The cardinal requested that the circular be translated into local languages and read in churches and Mass centers on June 21 to encourage participation in the nationwide observance a week later.

Church concerns had put legislation on hold

In a March 31 memorandum to Members of Parliament and Home Minister Amit Shah, the CBCI said the bill “raises serious concerns about constitutional balance, civil society freedom, and the future of charitable service in India.”

The memorandum, signed by CBCI Secretary General Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto of Delhi, stressed that “the lack of safeguards for charitable and educational institutions—while limited protection is extended to places of worship—may result in undue interference in the internal management and service mission of these organizations.”

The next day, the federal government, following protests from opposition parties and various Church groups, has for now put the bill on hold.

This legislation was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on March 26. Parliament was expected to take up discussion of the amendment bill in the coming weeks.

The bill is now scheduled to be discussed and voted on during the Monsoon Session of Parliament from July 21 to August 21.

Read the full circular.