US Congressman Slams India's FCRA Amendment Bill

US Congressman Riley Moore has expressed concern over the proposed amendments to India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). On Tuesday, Moore stated that the amendments would allow the Indian government to take over churches and religious charities, which he believes is a 'clear attack against Christians'.

Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, took to social media to voice his concerns. He highlighted the long history of Christianity in India, dating back to the time of St. Thomas the Apostle. Despite this, Moore feels that the Indian government's proposed amendments to the FCRA are a threat to the Christian community.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to empower the government to create a 'Designated Authority' to take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created using foreign contributions when an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or ceases due to non-renewal. The bill also ensures that the religious character of places of worship is maintained.

The proposed legislation reduces the maximum penalty for violation of the Act from imprisonment of five years to one year. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received Rs 55,741 crore of foreign contribution between 2019 and 2022. As of July 15, 2026, there are 14,449 active FCRA certificates, 22,498 cancelled, and 15,212 deemed expired.

Moore warned that if the bill proceeds in its current form, it would be a point of major concern in the bilateral relationship between the US and India. He feels that the amendments would have a significant impact on churches and religious charities in India.

The Indian government's move to amend the FCRA has sparked concern among various organisations and individuals. The proposed amendments have been seen as an attempt to increase government control over foreign-funded organisations, including churches and religious charities.

The FCRA was first introduced in 1976 and has undergone several amendments since then. The Act regulates the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by NGOs, trusts, educational institutions, and religious organisations. The Indian government has argued that the amendments are necessary to prevent the misuse of foreign funds and to ensure that organisations comply with Indian laws.

However, critics like Moore argue that the amendments are an attack on the freedom of religious organisations and could have far-reaching consequences for the Christian community in India. The issue is likely to be closely watched by the international community, and its outcome could have significant implications for India's relations with other countries.

In conclusion, the proposed amendments to the FCRA have sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that they are necessary to prevent the misuse of foreign funds, while others see them as an attack on religious freedom. The outcome of this debate will be closely watched, and its implications could be far-reaching.

The US-India bilateral relationship is an important one, and any developments that could potentially impact this relationship are significant. The Indian government's move to amend the FCRA is a development that will be closely watched by the international community, and its outcome could have significant implications for India's relations with other countries.

The Christian community in India is a significant one, and any developments that could potentially impact this community are important. The proposed amendments to the FCRA have sparked concern among Christians in India, and the outcome of this debate will be closely watched.

In the end, the proposed amendments to the FCRA are a significant development that could have far-reaching consequences for the Christian community in India and for India's relations with other countries. The outcome of this debate will be closely watched, and its implications could be significant.