By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, April 15, 2026: The All India Catholic Union (AICU), Asia’s largest confederation of Catholic laity, has expressed “firm solidarity” with Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for an immediate end to the war involving the United States, Israel, Iran and Lebanon.
“We unequivocally endorse the Holy Father’s call for ceasefire, dialogue, and the restoration of peace in the Middle East,” said Elias Vas, AICU’s national president. “The Pope’s voice, rooted in the Gospel of peace and compassion, resonates as a moral imperative for all humanity in these turbulent times.”
The union warned that the war’s repercussions are global, disrupting energy markets, food security and economic stability, including in India. “War-mongers must heed the global chorus of voices demanding peace,” Vas said.
Concerns over religious freedom in India
While supporting the Pope’s appeal, the AICU cautioned against “insidious attempts within our own country to reshape the landscape of religious freedom and erode the federal structure of our secular democracy.”
The union criticized the government’s use of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), saying the 2026 amendment bill reveals intent to seize Church-run schools, hospitals and orphanages.
“Such amendments conflict with Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of conscience and the right to manage religious affairs,” the statement said.
The AICU demanded withdrawal of the amendments and assurances against “any future usurpation of Church assets.”
Opposition to ‘micro-minority’ status
The union also raised alarm over proposals for a “National Christian Welfare Board” and “micro-minority” status for Christians. While framed as community welfare, the AICU said such measures would fragment Christians and weaken advocacy for Dalit Christians seeking Scheduled Caste status.
“Fragmenting Christians into ‘micro-minorities’ would weaken collective advocacy for justice and equality,” the statement said, adding that it could marginalize Adivasi identities and rights in regions where Christianity is deeply rooted.
Anti-conversion laws under fire
The AICU condemned the “continued weaponisation of anti-conversion laws,” citing Chhattisgarh’s Dharm Swatantra Vidheyak 2026, which allows life imprisonment for “mass conversions” and penalties for conversions involving minors, women or Scheduled groups.
Statements from Madhya Pradesh’s chief minister advocating the death penalty for certain conversions “further escalate the rhetoric of criminalisation,” the union said.
“These laws are invoked selectively, and blur the line between voluntary faith expression and alleged coercion, effectively stifling legitimate missionary activity, pastoral care, and personal spiritual journeys guaranteed under Article 25,” the statement said.
Misuse of tribal protections
The union reported misuse of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), particularly in Chhattisgarh, where Gram Sabhas have banned Christian pastors and evangelists. Burials have become flashpoints, with mobs preventing Christian rites under claims of “tribal tradition.”
“This misuse transforms a protective law into an instrument of exclusion and religious persecution,” the AICU said, warning it undermines federalism and pits tribal communities against each other.
Education and secularism at risk
The AICU also criticized “saffronisation of education,” pointing to revisions in NCERT and state textbooks that prioritize one cultural narrative while marginalizing minorities.
“In a diverse democracy, education must celebrate multiplicity, promote critical thinking, and instil values of fraternity,” the union said. “India cannot risk producing generations less equipped for harmonious coexistence, social harmony and national integration.”
The union urged the government to reaffirm secularism, equality and liberty. “We urge dialogue with minority representatives, protection of federal principles, and restraint in using laws as weapons against vulnerable communities,” the statement said.