Indian Catholics Hold Nationwide Day of Prayer and Protest Over Proposed Foreign Funding Rules

Newsroom (29/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Catholic communities across India marked June 28 with a coordinated day of prayer and protest, voicing concern over newly proposed federal rules governing foreign donations. The initiative, led by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), came shortly after the Ministry of Home Affairs announced revisions to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010, on June 22.

The observance combined spiritual reflection with a collective appeal, as clergy and lay faithful gathered in dioceses nationwide for silent Eucharistic adoration and special prayers. At the CBCI’s New Delhi headquarters, Father Mathew Koyickal, the deputy secretary general, opened the proceedings with prayers seeking “guidance and wisdom for the nation’s leaders and citizens.”

Participants—including priests, religious sisters and brothers, and lay staff—spent the day in quiet devotion before the Blessed Sacrament, emphasizing the peaceful and faith-centered nature of the protest.

Government Push for Stricter Oversight

The proposed FCRA rules aim to tighten oversight of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving foreign contributions. According to the government, the measures are designed to ensure transparency, prevent misuse of funds, and safeguard national sovereignty. Among the provisions are stricter compliance requirements, substantial penalties for violations, and restrictions such as a ban on political activities by recipient organizations.

Officials argue that these steps are necessary to regulate the flow and utilization of foreign funds more effectively. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led federal government has framed the reforms as part of a broader effort to enhance accountability within the non-profit sector.

Church Leaders Warn of Far-Reaching Consequences

Church authorities, however, contend that the proposed rules impose excessive administrative burdens that could disrupt essential services. Catholic institutions across India operate a wide network of schools, hospitals, and welfare centers, many of which rely partly on foreign contributions.

Leaders warn that increased regulatory requirements could hinder the day-to-day functioning of these institutions, with potential consequences for vulnerable populations. Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and president of the CBCI, underscored this concern in a circular addressed to parishes nationwide.

“The Church in India has always served society, particularly the poor and the marginalized, as an expression of Gospel values,” he stated, highlighting the social mission at stake.

A Broader Pattern of Restrictions

The current controversy comes against the backdrop of a significant decline in the number of NGOs authorized to receive foreign contributions. Church leaders pointed out that more than 21,900 NGO licenses have been revoked in recent years, including those of prominent Catholic organizations such as the Tamil Nadu Social Service Society and Jesuit research institutions.

Official government data indicates that since 2024 alone, the FCRA licenses of 20,702 NGOs have been canceled, leaving just 16,122 organizations currently permitted to receive foreign funds. Critics see this as part of a wider trend of tightening control over civil society organizations.

Elias Vas, national president of the All India Catholic Union, described the regulatory process as appearing “like a targeted move to attack minority groups.” He cautioned that such measures represent “a dangerous trend for a secular country like India.”

Political Context and Legislative Uncertainty

The proposed rules are not yet law. The government had initially sought to introduce amendments to the FCRA in Parliament on April 1, but faced resistance from opposition parties and segments of the public. As a result, the bill was deferred and is now expected to be revisited during the Monsoon Session of Parliament scheduled for July.

This delay has created a window for dialogue, but also uncertainty for organizations that depend on foreign contributions to sustain their operations.

Unity Through Faith and Advocacy

Church leaders emphasized that the June 28 observance was not confrontational but rooted in faith and solidarity. Similar events held across dioceses reflected a unified response from India’s Christian communities.

They described the initiative as a “peaceful expression of faith” and a “prayerful appeal” for justice, religious freedom, and the well-being of all citizens. The day’s activities highlighted the intersection of spiritual conviction and civic concern, as participants sought to balance respect for governance with the protection of their mission.

Looking Ahead

As India prepares for parliamentary debate on the FCRA amendments, the concerns raised by Catholic leaders and other civil society groups are likely to remain central to the discussion. The outcome could significantly shape the operating environment for NGOs and religious organizations alike.

For now, the June 28 observance stands as a notable example of how religious communities are engaging with policy issues—through both prayer and public expression—amid an evolving regulatory landscape.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News