Archbishop warns government-imposed restrictions must not block compassion

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The head of the Syro Malabar Church says the Catholic Church will not retreat from charitable work despite growing restrictions on voluntary organizations, warning that laws must not become barriers to compassion for the poor.

“The contribution made by the Catholic Church and the voluntary organisations (NGOs) functioning under its leadership to the making of modern India and to the nation’s holistic development is written in golden letters in history,”  says Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

Inspired by “the mission of translating Christ’s love and compassion into concrete action,” the Church has contributed to the country’s development through education, health care and social service, he wrote in the Syro Malabar Vision, the publication of the Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Curia.

“The transformation brought about by Catholic institutions in the field of education has been extraordinary,” Archbishop Thattil says, citing schools, colleges and technical training institutes established in “the most underdeveloped regions of the country.”

He also highlights Church hospitals, dispensaries, homes for the destitute and palliative care centers serving abandoned children, elderly people, people with disabilities and those afflicted by leprosy.

During crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, “the unwavering dedication shown by the Church’ charitable institutions and volunteers proved to be a tremendous support to the nation,” he says.

Voluntary sector faces crisis

Archbishop Thattil says the voluntary sector is now “facing an unprecedented crisis,” pointing specifically to recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, or FCRA.

His appeal comes when the bill is expected to be discussed and voted on during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which runs until Aug. 13. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The amendments, he says, “have placed severe obstacles before charitable activities and the smooth functioning of voluntary organisations.”

“Stringent laws and restrictive regulations that effectively tie the hands and feet of voluntary organisations amount to denying essential assistance to those who need it most,” he says.

Those most affected, according to Archbishop Thattil, include “poor patients, underprivileged children who depend on educational assistance, and large sections of the marginalised population.”

He says such provisions “can therefore only be regarded as an intrusion upon the rights and welfare of the poor.”

Despite the restrictions, Archbishop Thattil says, “the Catholic Church can never retreat, even by a single step, from doing good and showing compassion to fellow human beings.”

Laws should enable mercy

“Rather than becoming discouraged by the growing restrictions imposed upon the voluntary sector, we shall continue with renewed determination to share Christ’s compassionate love with the world,” he says.

“For bringing consolation to the poor and embracing the marginalised is an integral part of the Church’s spiritual mission,” Archbishop Thattil says, adding that the Church remains committed to “proclaiming the Gospel through love and selfless service.”

“The poor and the suffering constitute the true soul of every nation,” he says.

He calls for policies “that are more compassionate and more responsive to the welfare and survival of the poor,” while acknowledging that “transparency and accountability are indeed essential.”

However, such measures “should never diminish the zeal of those who serve nor deprive the hungry, the sick, and the vulnerable of the assistance they rightfully deserve.”

Public policy, he says, should support voluntary organizations working with governments to promote development and alleviate poverty.

“Laws, therefore, must never become barriers to the flow of mercy; instead, they should serve as instruments that enable greater relief, hope, and dignity to reach the least, and the most vulnerable among us,” he added.

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