Editor,
The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have caused deep concern among Christian institutions and charitable organisations across India. While the government maintains that the law applies equally to all communities and is intended to regulate foreign funding, many Christians fear that, in practice, the provisions could disproportionately affect Christian churches, schools, hospitals and charitable organisations.
Christian institutions have historically played a major role in serving the poor and marginalised through education, healthcare, social work and humanitarian assistance. Many such institutions depend partly on foreign contributions to sustain their charitable activities. The new FCRA framework, with stricter controls over the purpose and geographical use of foreign funds, has therefore created understandable anxiety about their future. Church leaders and Christian organisations have publicly expressed concern that these restrictions could affect religious freedom and their ability to carry out charitable and pastoral work.
Particularly troubling is the fear that the issue of “proselytisation” could be interpreted broadly and used against legitimate religious activity. Christian service to the poor should not automatically be viewed with suspicion or equated with attempts at forced conversion. A democracy must distinguish clearly between unlawful coercion and the constitutional right of individuals and religious communities to practise, profess and propagate their faith.
The government has stated that the FCRA does not target any particular religion and that places of worship will retain their religious character. However, laws must not only be fair in wording; they must also be fair in implementation. If one community feels that its institutions are repeatedly subjected to greater scrutiny, restrictions or suspicion, the government must address those concerns seriously and transparently.
India’s strength lies in its religious diversity and constitutional commitment to equality and freedom of religion. Any law regulating foreign contributions must protect national interests without weakening the legitimate charitable, educational and religious work of minority communities.
The FCRA must therefore be implemented with transparency, impartiality and accountability. It should never become a tool that creates fear among Christians or threatens institutions that have served the nation for generations.
Jubel D’Cruz
Mumbai
