Church leaders call for greater unity at first NFCI meeting in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, September 21, 2026: Around 45 archbishops, bishops, church heads and delegates from various Christian denominations participated in the first meeting of the National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI), held at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences (SJNAHS), Bengaluru.

The meeting was held alongside the fifth National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship (NEBF) meeting and began with an ecumenical prayer service for Christian unity.

Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Chairman of the NFCI, delivered the welcome and inaugural address. He recalled that the NFCI was launched during the previous NEBF meeting on May 8, 2026, and stressed the need for greater cooperation and unity among Churches in India in responding to challenges facing Christians.

Cardinal Poola said membership of the federation would be open to bishops and heads of all Churches and Christian denominations, including those affiliated with other councils and synods.

Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, President of the Good Shepherd Church in India (GSCI) and the All India Christian Council (AICC), and Convenor of the NFCI, briefed the gathering on the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026. He suggested that the Churches submit a joint memorandum outlining their concerns and seek an opportunity to present their views directly to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the legislation.

Brother Dr. Paul Dhinakaran highlighted the role of young people in shaping the future of the Church and society. Describing the present period as “the day of the youth,” he called for greater opportunities for young people to participate in leadership and social transformation.

During the open forum, Archbishop Peter Machado spoke about efforts concerning the anti-conversion legislation in Karnataka and briefed the participants on a pending Supreme Court case relating to alleged atrocities against Christians, churches and Christian institutions.

Fr. Anthoniraj Thumma updated the meeting on the pending legal proceedings concerning the constitutional rights and equal status of Dalit Christians, as well as the work of the Justice K. G. Balakrishnan Commission.

The meeting also approved the formation of an NFCI Core Group to coordinate responses to emerging issues affecting the Churches. The group was authorised to co-opt additional members and appoint coordinators and executive secretaries to support the federation’s work.

By Catholic Connect Reporter