Catholic body meets Amit Shah, flags concerns over FCRA Bill
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India met with Home Minister Amit Shah to express concerns regarding the FCRA Amendment Bill and Rules of 2026. The Church argues that the inclusion of the term 'proselytisation' in the new regulations is vague and could be misused to target legitimate charitable and humanitarian work.
Why it matters
This meeting highlights the ongoing tension between religious organizations and the government over the regulation of foreign funding and the definition of religious activities in India.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) submitted a memorandum against the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (July 10, 2026), Jonathan Lalremruata, advisor to the apex body of the Catholic church in India, said.
Cardinal Anthony Poola, Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad and CBCI president, and Anil Couto, Metropolitan Archbishop of Delhi were present at the meeting.
“We appreciate that the Minister took the meeting in all seriousness as Union Home Secretary and officials concerned of the FCRA division of the Ministry were also present,” Mr. Lalremruata said.
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