By Matters India Reporter
BENGALURU, September 19, 2026:The newly formed National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) held its first meeting on September 18, at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, alongside the Fifth National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship (NEBF) gathering.
About 45 participants, including Archbishops, Bishops, Church Heads, and delegates from various Christian denominations, attended the session, which began with an ecumenical prayer service for Christian unity.
Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), and Chairman of NFCI, delivered the inaugural address.
He emphasized the urgency of unity among churches in India, noting, “At the present juncture the Churches in India are in a critical situation facing many serious challenges and grave difficulties… hence, during our previous Fellowship Meeting held here on May 8, we launched the National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI).”
He described NFCI as a divine gift fostering ecumenical progress.
Father Anthoniraj Thumma, Secretary of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and Coordinator of NEBF, presented the minutes of the previous meeting.
Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, President of the Good Shepherd Church in India and Convenor of NFCI, urged members to respond to the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026. He suggested submitting memoranda and seeking a meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which was convening at the same time.
Brother Paul Dhinakaran highlighted the importance of empowering youth, calling the present era “the day of the youth.”
Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and Convener of NFCI, closed the meeting by affirming, “The formation of the National Federation of Churches in India is a step towards the goal of full communion. We are grateful to God for this gift.”
He concluded with Pope Leo XIV’s words: “We are one! We already are! Let us recognize it, experience it and make it visible!”
In the open forum, Catholic Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, Chairman of the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, discussed efforts to repeal the anti-conversion bill and briefed participants on a Supreme Court case concerning atrocities against Christians.
Father Thumma updated members on the pending case regarding constitutional rights for Dalit Christians and the Justice K. G. Balakrishnan Commission’s work.
The meeting concluded with the formation of a Core Group to guide NFCI’s activities, authorized to co-opt members and appoint coordinators. Cardinal Poola led the closing prayer and benediction before a photo session marked the end of the historic gathering.
(Photo supplied)