National Federation of Churches in India Launched to Present Unified Christian Voice

Bengaluru, May 9, 2026: Amid growing concerns over attacks on Christians, anti-conversion laws, and proposed changes affecting Church properties, Christian leaders from across denominations launched the National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) during the Fourth National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship Meeting held on May 8 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences (SJNAHS), Bengaluru.

The formation of the NFCI comes at a time when Churches in India are facing what participants described as a “critical situation,” including violent attacks on pastors and faithful, stringent anti-conversion laws in some States, and concerns over amendments related to FCRA and the proposed Christian Welfare/Property Board.

After two years of deliberations and drafting of guidelines, the federation was formally launched on May 8 following the approval of its framework by the gathering of bishops, Church heads and delegates representing various Christian denominations.

NFCI has been envisioned as a national ecumenical body and umbrella organisation representing Churches across India. The federation aims to present a united face of Christianity, serve as a single voice of the Christian community, and promote collaboration among Churches while respecting their individual identities, traditions and structures.

Organisers noted that while a few national-level Church forums already exist, none are comprehensively inclusive of all Churches, and there has been no all-India platform exclusively bringing together bishops and heads of Churches.

Around 45 participants attended the fellowship meeting on May 8, which began with an Ecumenical Prayer Service for Christian Unity adapted from the 2026 prayer resources jointly prepared by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity of the Roman Catholic Church and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.

Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of CBCI, in his welcome address highlighted the pressing concerns faced by the Christian community and stressed the importance of Church unity in addressing them effectively.

Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt of Pala, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and the Desk for Ecumenism, delivered the inaugural address, quoting eminent ecumenists and scholars on the importance of unity and dialogue for achieving common goals and understanding truth.

The ecumenical dialogue session was moderated by Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, President of the Good Shepherd Church in India and the All India Christian Council.

Following the approval of the federation’s guidelines, Cardinal Anthony Poola was chosen as Chairman of NFCI. Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Pala, and Bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar of Karnataka Central were selected as Conveners.

The formal launch of NFCI took place on May 8 with a prayer of dedication led by Bishop Akhlesh Edgar, General Secretary of the Council of Evangelical Churches in India.

Church leaders expressed hope that the federation would emerge as a national platform for ecumenical dialogue on issues affecting Christians in India, strengthen fellowship among bishops and Church heads, and deepen the ongoing ecumenical movement in the country.

The launch of NFCI is being viewed as a significant development in the journey towards greater Christian unity and cooperation among Churches in India.

By Fr. Anthoniraj Thumma,

National Secretary, CBCI Office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism Coordinator,