Verghese V Joseph –
In a significant development for the Christian community in India, a recent meeting convened by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has brought to light urgent concerns regarding minority rights and the need for solidarity among religious groups.
A meeting, held on December 3, 2024, in New Delhi, included around 20 Christian Members of Parliament (MPs), primarily from opposition parties, who urged church leaders to take a definitive stand against legislative measures perceived as detrimental to minority communities, particularly the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill currently under consideration.
While the meeting was described as cordial, it also revealed growing frustration among MPs regarding the church leadership’s relationship with the government since 2014. Some MPs criticized this relationship as “transactional” and urged church leaders to cease engaging in “photo ops” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This criticism is particularly poignant given an earlier incident that has left many within the Christian community feeling embarrassed and disillusioned.
On Christmas Day 2023, Indian church leaders held a breakfast meeting with Modi while violence raged in Manipur, where ethnic clashes disproportionately affected Christian communities. The optics of this meeting were widely condemned as insensitive and out of touch with the realities faced by Christians in conflict zones. Activists pointed out that church leaders missed an opportunity to address issues of persecution and violence during their interactions with Modi, further alienating a community already feeling marginalized.
The CBCI meeting was the first of its kind in decades and was chaired by Archbishop Andrews. The agenda focused on various pressing issues facing the Christian community, including rising attacks against minorities and the misuse of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to target Christian institutions. A notable point raised during the discussions was the need for Christians to support Muslims regarding the Waqf Bill, which has been criticized for potentially infringing upon minority rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
On Saturday, CBCI in a press note, issued a clarification that the recent meeting held with Christian Members of Parliament (MPs) was an informal Christmas gathering.
The meeting, which took place on 3rd December 2024, was called for informal sharing and discussion among Christian MPs from various political parties and the CBCI. The gathering concluded with a Christmas dinner, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and festive cheer. The CBCI emphasizes that this meeting was not a formal conference or a politically motivated event, but rather an opportunity for Christian MPs to come together and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas, according to Fr. Robinson Rodrigues PRO, CBCI.
The Waqf Bill proposes significant changes to the governance of Muslim endowments, allowing non-Muslims to participate in Waqf boards, which has sparked fears among minority groups about government overreach into religious affairs. Critics argue that such amendments could undermine the autonomy of Muslim communities and pave the way for increased control over religious properties historically managed by them. This sentiment was echoed by multiple MPs at the CBCI meeting, who expressed strong objections to provisions that could alter the composition and governance of Waqf properties.
The backdrop of these discussions is critical. The Waqf Bill is seen not only as an administrative change but as part of a broader pattern of legislation perceived as discriminatory against minorities in India. Previous legislative actions, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and changes to Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, have raised alarms about a systematic effort to marginalize religious minorities.
The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act aim to centralize control over Waqf properties and introduce non-Muslim members into governance structures traditionally reserved for Muslims. This shift has raised concerns about potential government interference in religious affairs and has been interpreted by many as an attempt to dilute Muslim identity within these institutions.
During the CBCI meeting, some MPs suggested that church leadership should not only react to negative developments but also highlight positive contributions made by Christians to society. An example cited was that three out of four students attending Christian institutions come from diverse communities, underscoring the inclusive role these institutions play in education.
The call for unity among minorities is paramount as various religious groups face similar challenges under current governance structures. By standing together against legislative measures that threaten their rights, communities can strengthen their advocacy efforts and push back against policies perceived as discriminatory.
As discussions continue regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and its implications for minority rights in India, it is clear that a more cohesive approach among religious groups is essential. The recent CBCI meeting reflects a growing awareness within the Christian community about the need for solidarity with other minorities facing similar threats.
In light of past missteps, such as the Christmas Day meeting with Modi amidst violence in Manipur, it is crucial for church leaders to reassess their strategies and engage more meaningfully with both their congregations and broader civil society. Only through unified action can they hope to protect their rights and ensure that India’s secular fabric remains intact amid rising polarisation.
This message is greatly informative.
In this regard I would like to request the Church authorities and the Christian MPs to be cautious about the His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit to India.