India (MNN) — Christian ministries in India are grappling with mounting challenges as the Indian government expands its application of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). This law governs the receipt of foreign funds by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and has become increasingly restrictive, particularly for Christian groups accused of illegal religious conversion activities.
John Pudaite, President of Bibles For The World (BFTW), says, “The [Indian] government came out for the first time with a blanket statement saying that any organization that has been involved in illegal activities will not be renewed, and this includes illegal religious conversion activities.”
In 2021, organizations were required to submit FCRA renewal applications by the end of December. Nearly three years later, thousands of renewal cases are still open and awaiting a decision. The tightening FCRA restrictions could harm these cases.
“Out of the 3,000 or so cases that are still pending, I would estimate that 80-90% of those are Christian churches and ministries,” Pudaite says.
(Photo courtesy of Bibles For The World)
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has outlined 17 reasons for denying or canceling FCRA registrations. These include accusations of forceful religious conversions, diverting funds for anti-development activities, links with radical organizations, and failure to file annual reports. NGOs whose operations are deemed to affect “social or religious harmony” are also at risk of cancellation.
For BFTW and others, the uncertainty makes it hard to coordinate long-term ministry.
“It’s very difficult to work with partners and try to do any kind of planning for any types of projects or extended outreaches or whatever it may be…when you’re never sure if you’re going to be granted the FCRA registration. You’re just kind of living every three months at a time,” Pudaite explains.
Respond This Giving Tuesday
Children in India read the Bible in their heart language. (Photo courtesy of Bibles For The World)
Today marks Giving Tuesday in the United States, and Christians worldwide are encouraged to act. Generous giving today to ministries like BFTW can help sustain their vital work amidst growing restrictions.
BFTW continues to distribute Bibles, support education, sponsor children, and provide healthcare for the people of India in Jesus’s name.
Click here to support BFTW’s critical ministry!
Additionally, Pudaite asks, “Pray that the Christians here, especially those involved in running organizations that have been receiving foreign contribution, may be strong through this time…. Pray that the government may look at these applications as objectively as possible and see the good work that is being done by so many organizations here that are benefiting the poor [and] disadvantaged people here.”
Header photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:State_Bank_of_India,_Chandni_Chowk.JPG
