FTC General Body Meeting Calls for Stronger Christian Unity, Collective Action in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, September 2, 2026: The Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC) has called for stronger Christian unity and collective action to safeguard the constitutional rights and interests of the Christian community amid emerging challenges.

The call was made at the FTC’s Annual General Body Meeting held on September 1 at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Ramanthapur, Hyderabad. About 50 bishops, Church heads, representatives and special invitees from across the Telugu Christian community attended the meeting.

The gathering began with an ecumenical prayer service for Christian unity, based on resources from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 and centred on the theme, “Light from Light for light.”

Participants observed moments of silence in memory of Sri Matta Rajakar Rao, General Secretary of the CBCNC, and Archbishop Mallavarapu Prakash, Archbishop Emeritus of Visakhapatnam, who had recently died.

The meeting felicitated Bishop Kora Senam Raj following his consecration as bishop of the CSI Diocese of Dornakal. Cardinal Poola Anthony was also felicitated on his election as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Convenor of the National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI).

Archbishop Joseph D’Souza of the Good Shepherd Church was congratulated on his election as Convenor of the NFCI.

In his welcome address, FTC Chairman Bishop Anthony Das highlighted the active participation of member Churches and called for deeper ecumenical cooperation.

Referring to Jesus’ prayer, “that they may all be one,” Bishop Das urged Christians to strengthen their unity in truth, spirit and witness. Such unity, he said, should enable Churches to encourage one another, work together for the common good and advance the Kingdom of God.

The General Body approved the minutes of its previous meeting and received the annual reports and financial statements of the FTC, the Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches and the Telangana Federation of Churches.

FCRA Bill sparks concern

The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) emerged as a major issue during the meeting.

Archbishop Joseph D’Souza explained the possible implications of the FCRA Amendment Bill, which has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). He urged the Churches to adopt a united approach to protect the rights and interests of Christians as a minority community.

He stressed that prayer must be accompanied by responsible and collective action, particularly when constitutional rights are at stake. Participants also expressed their willingness to cooperate in efforts to safeguard the interests of the Christian community.

The General Body also discussed the longstanding demand concerning the status of Scheduled Caste Christians. Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera of Eluru briefed the gathering on recent developments and ongoing discussions on the issue.

Bishop Senam Raj, who recently assumed leadership of the CSI Diocese of Dornakal, expressed gratitude for the mission and activities of the FTC. He urged member Churches to devote greater time and effort to strengthening Christian unity, particularly in the present social context.

The meeting concluded with the FTC chairman thanking the participants for their presence and contributions. Cardinal Poola Anthony led the concluding prayer and gave the benediction.

The gathering reaffirmed the FTC’s commitment to ecumenical unity, mutual cooperation, protection of constitutional rights and a united Christian witness in society.

By Fr. Anthaiah Kondaveeti 

Executive Secretary of FTC