Christian Forum Welcomes Parliamentary Review of India’s Foreign Funding Bill

The Assam Christian Forum has welcomed the Government of India’s decision to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, describing the move as an opportunity for wider consultation and careful legislative scrutiny.

The Forum expressed its “deep gratitude” to the government and said it looked forward to engaging constructively in the parliamentary review process.

The Bill was formally referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee on August 12, following a motion by the Union Home Minister calling for an “in-depth examination of the legislative provisions.” The committee comprises 21 members of the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, and 10 members of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house. It is expected to submit its report by the last day of the first week of Parliament’s 2026 Winter Session.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) governs the receipt and use of foreign contributions by nongovernmental organizations, religious institutions and other eligible entities in India. Proposed amendments have raised concerns among sections of the Christian community, civil society and humanitarian organizations, particularly over their potential impact on institutions engaged in education, health care, social development and charitable service.

In a statement signed by Forum spokesperson Allen Brooks, the organization expressed “heartfelt thanks to God for His gracious intervention” and welcomed what it described as the government’s “prudent decision” to allow detailed examination of the proposed legislation.

The Forum said the parliamentary referral represents an important democratic and consultative step, demonstrating the government’s willingness to hear concerns raised by NGOs, minority communities and other civil society stakeholders.

“We warmly welcome the opportunity for wider deliberation,” the Forum said, expressing its readiness to engage with the Ministry of Home Affairs and members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee in a spirit of openness and cooperation.

As an organization involved in education, health care, social development and charitable initiatives, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to contributing positively to India’s social progress.

It also said it was prepared to participate constructively in the legislative process, with the aim of helping develop a balanced statutory framework that respects natural justice, transparency and accountability, while allowing genuine civil society organizations to continue serving communities without unnecessary hindrance.

The Forum reiterated its “unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible engagement,” stressing that the larger interests of India and its people should remain at the heart of the legislative process.

“We pray that the deliberations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee will be guided by wisdom, fairness and the common good,” Brooks said.

The Assam Christian Forum, a lay-led ecumenical Christian advocacy body in Assam, has been vocal in raising concerns about provisions of the proposed FCRA amendments. The northeastern Indian state of Assam is home to diverse religious and Indigenous communities, as well as numerous Christian institutions serving remote and marginalized populations.

The Forum has highlighted the potential implications of regulatory changes for Christian schools, hospitals, social-service agencies and charitable institutions, particularly in India’s Northeast.

The Forum’s response comes as the proposed legislation enters a broader parliamentary review, placing greater emphasis on consultation and scrutiny before further legislative action