P C George Attacks Bishops Over FCRA Concerns; Christian Churches Unite in Opposition to Amendment

Poonjar: BJP leader and NDA candidate from Poonjar constituency P C George has launched a scathing attack on bishops who have raised concerns about the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act (FCRA). In remarks to the media, George used deeply disrespectful language against the church leaders, saying that certain clergymen go around saying all sorts of of foolish things and will continue to do so. He claimed that those expressing anxiety over the FCRA amendment are mentally unstable, and questioned why such a fuss was being made when Christians constitute only 2.25 percent of India's population.

He went on to say that it is only out of the BJP's graciousness that the community is given any consideration at all, and that the bishops should not be making such remarks while concealing what they know.

George's comments came in the backdrop of a broad and unified opposition from Christian church leaders across Kerala to the central government's FCRA amendment, which has generated deep anxiety among minority communities and civil society organisations.

Archbishop of the Thrissur Archdiocese Mar Andrews Thazhath had earlier stated that the amendment conceals a sinister design to seize the properties of minority institutions and voluntary organisations under the cover of licensing requirements. Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church Metropolitan Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma had warned that provisions requiring the transfer of assets built with foreign aid to a "Designated Authority," the automatic cancellation of registration upon licence non-renewal, and increased personal liability for office-bearers would have severe consequences for the functioning and survival of service institutions.

Malankara Orthodox Church Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III criticised the amendment's provisions as rendering it virtually impossible for Christian churches to operate. The United Pentecostal Council has also described the bill as deeply alarming, while the Kerala Council of Churches has demanded the removal of its controversial clauses and condemned as utterly unacceptable the proposed provision allowing buildings constructed with foreign funds to be confiscated.