By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, July 12, 2026: A high-level delegation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), led by Cardinal Poola Anthony, met federal Home Minister Amit Shah to submit a detailed memorandum on issues affecting the Christian community.
The bishops raised concerns over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, the denial of Scheduled Caste status to minorities of SC origin, and the continuing humanitarian crisis in Manipur.
The memorandum, signed by CBCI president Cardinal Poola and CBCI Secretary General Archbishop Anil Couto, stressed that recent legislative and administrative developments “run contrary to the secular fabric of the nation and the constitutional values that gives equal treatment of all communities.”
The bishops urged the government to withdraw the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, warning that they would “adversely affect the organisations that are registered” and harm institutions serving millions of poor and vulnerable citizens.
The legislation, expected to be debated in Parliament’s Monsoon Session (June 21-August 21), has raised concerns about its impact on charitable, educational, healthcare, and social ministries run by Christian institutions.
‘Grave injustice’ and ‘fear and insecurity’
The CBCI highlighted that various state-level Freedom of Religion Acts, often referred to as anti-conversion laws, have led to “noticeable increase in allegations, intimidation, and acts of hostility directed against Christians.”
The memorandum noted that these laws, along with the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950, which denies SC status to minorities of SC origin, are under challenge before the Supreme Court.
The bishops said the prolonged pendency of these cases has caused “grave injustice” and “fear and insecurity among minority communities.” They appealed for expeditious hearings to protect fundamental rights, dignity, and equality. “We therefore earnestly request that appropriate steps be taken to facilitate expeditious hearing and final adjudication,” the memorandum stated.
‘Humanitarian crisis in Manipur’
The delegation also drew attention to the “continuing humanitarian crisis in Manipur,” where thousands of families have lost access to agricultural lands, children have suffered “enormous educational disruption,” and large numbers have migrated to other states in search of safety and livelihood.
The bishops described the trauma endured by displaced families as having “profound psychological, emotional and spiritual consequences.”
“We most respectfully and earnestly appeal for the immediate intervention of the Government of India… to restore lasting peace, harmony, and normalcy in the State of Manipur,” the memorandum urged.
The CBCI reaffirmed its commitment to nation-building, stating that its institutions have “partnered with successive Governments in serving millions of Indians, particularly the poor, the marginalised and those living in remote regions.”
Cardinal Poola concluded by pledging cooperation with the government in all efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, and humanitarian relief. “The Catholic Church in India remains firmly committed to the unity, integrity and constitutional values of our nation,” he added.