India (MNN) — The Indian government is ramping up enforcement of an act restricting foreign funding for NGOs, putting many Christian organizations at risk of being expelled from the country. In the last two years, more than 100 organizations have seen their licenses revoked.
Approximately 16,000 licensed NGOs operate in India. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act ensures that funds donated to these organizations are not used for political contributions or illegal activities. But according to Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs, what used to be a simple registration process for non-profits has recently become a tool for government targeting.
“It seems like from 1976 until the mid-2010s, it was essentially a rubber stamp. Once you had the approval you had it forever. Now it seems like the government, particularly under Prime Minister Modi, is using it as an excuse to say ‘We need to see your books.’”
Enforcement has been increasing since 2014 when the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power. Many prominent Christian organizations, including Compassion International, Center for Policy Research, Voluntary Health Association of India, and the Evangelical Fellowship of India have already had their licenses revoked. Others face scrutiny and charges that range from embezzlement or corrupt financial practices to illegal religious conversion activities.
While some groups are explicitly evangelizing, many focus primarily on poverty alleviation and education.
Photo is a representative stock image courtesy of Church of the King via Unsplash
“Those things are not overtly conversion activities. They are simply coming alongside people,” Nettleton says. “The sad part of the way they are enforcing it now is so many Indians are suffering because these charity organizations are not allowed to function in the country.”
There is a way for denied organizations to appeal, but most have not seen success through the court system. Besides being a complicated legal process, Nettleton says picking a fight with the government creates even more problems.
“That may only hurt what you’re trying to do. So once this license is revoked, it’s very difficult to get it back,” he says.
Nettleton asks for prayer that ministry leaders would have wisdom and discernment as they apply for registration and attempt to file proper reports. He also reminds believers to pray for the Indian government and those interacting with authorities.
“Prime Minister Modi is from a Hindu nationalist background. His government has never really hidden its Hindu nationalist agenda. Let’s pray for them to be impacted by the gospel,” Nettleton says.
As Matthew 10: 18 – 20 reminds us, “. . . you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Header photo is a representative stock image courtesy of Nikhita S via Unsplash
