Christian mission work in India could be hit by new regulations tightening control over foreign funding and allowing authorities to seize assets from organisations whose licences are revoked.
The changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act have been described as “dangerous and alarming” by religious freedom group Release International, which said the proposals could severely impact Christian institutions.
Partners on the ground claim the move could enable the state to take over properties, schools and healthcare facilities built over decades.
Dr Joseph D’Souza, head of the All India Christian Council, said: “This is a dangerous and deeply alarming crisis, with immediate and potentially irreversible consequences.”
The Indian government has increasingly restricted foreign funding for charities, with more than 20,000 licences reportedly cancelled or allowed to lapse since 2014 under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics say existing regulations have already been used to target organisations the government disagrees with.
If passed, the amendment could allow confiscated assets to be transferred or sold without judicial oversight. Release International said this raises concerns about transparency and accountability. Although the bill has been delayed until a later parliamentary session, campaigners warn the threat remains.
Release International’s CEO Paul Robinson said the alarming proposals were further evidence of the growing pressure on Christians in India.
“Over the past two decades, Christians in parts of India have suffered violent attacks by Hindu extremist groups, with pastors and other Christian workers being falsely accused of bribing or coercing people to become Christians. In more recent years, so-called anti-conversion laws in a number of Indian states have encouraged opponents of the gospel to use the law to stifle Christian witness. This latest threat seems part of that trend.
“We call on Christians and churches in the UK to pray that this legislative threat is overturned. Pray also for strength and resilience for the church in India,” he added.
India is ranked 12th on the Open Doors World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. Driven by religious nationalism, Christians, particularly converts from Hinduism, face violent attacks, church destruction and discrimination
