India's Hindu Government has threatened to seize churches in what has been labelled a “clear attack against Christians.”
The proposed changes would introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill and seek to empower the local government to create a “Designated Authority” that would allow it to take over the management of foreign contributions when an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled.
The changes would mainly impact NGOs, educational institutions and religious organisations, and the US has raised concerns following the announcement of the proposed changes.
Republican Congressman from West Virginia, Riley Moore, has claimed that the move would give the Indian government the power to take over churches and religious charities, and labelled the move a “clear attack on Christians.”
He said on X: “Christians have been in India since St Thomas the Apostle travelled to the Malabar Coast just decades after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“But despite this long Christian history, India's Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment (FCRA) rules to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities.
“This is a clear attack against Christians.
“If this bill proceeds in this way, it would be a point of major concern in our bilateral relationship with India.”
Indian churches are under threat after the Indian government announce proposed changes that would affect religious organisations
|GETTY
The bill states that should an FCRA registration not be renewed for any reason, if the asset is a place of worship, then the authority must ensure its religious character is maintained.
The legislation would also reduce the maximum penalty for violation of the Act from five years to one.
The Indian government is expected to introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha next week.
Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran slammed Mr Moore’s comments, saying: “It should be condemned, as they should have nothing to do with India's legislative position, as it attacks India's sovereign character.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Republican Congressman Riley Moore has slammed the proposed changes
|GETTY
“Yes, we oppose the FCRA bill, and that is why it has been sent back and delayed. THEY ARE NO ONE TO LECTURE US.”
CPI MP John Brittas said, "We do not want US lawmakers to suggest anything, and we do not appreciate any intervention from the US... We oppose this piece of legislation.
“We do not base our position on what others say about it.
“This is an internal and domestic matter. Our government and our Parliament must take the decision.”
Indian Ministry of Home Affairs figures show that 13,520 organisations received around £4.3million of foreign funding between 2019 and 2022.
The FCRA portal shows that, as of July 15, there are 14,449 active FCRA certificates.
It also shows that 22,498 have been cancelled, and 15,212 have been deemed expired.
GB News has contacted the Indian Government for comment.