Kerala’s Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Expresses Concern Over Centre’s Tighter Foreign Funding Rules Without Prior Consultation

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kerala has expressed concern over the Union Government’s tightening of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules. Senior Bishop Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, Metropolitan of the Church’s Kottayam Diocese, highlighted the lack of consultation with religious groups before the amendments were implemented. He stated that the Centre had previously assured that major decisions would involve consultations with such communities.

The Metropolitan emphasized that the Church has no objection to financial scrutiny. “Our accounts were ready yesterday, they are ready today, and they will be ready tomorrow,” he said, noting that all financial records are regularly audited and submitted to the authorities. This statement reflects the Church’s willingness to comply with regulatory requirements.

However, Bishop Diascoros raised concerns about the revised penalty provisions under the amended FCRA rules. He pointed out that small mistakes can occur and that such errors should be corrected rather than leading to severe penalties. “Imposing heavy fines for minor errors could discourage charitable work,” he warned, highlighting the potential impact on the Church’s ability to engage in community service.

The Church’s stance aligns with broader concerns within the Oriental Orthodox community about the implications of stricter regulations on religious organizations. These concerns often revolve around the balance between accountability and the freedom to operate without undue burden. The Metropolitan’s comments underscore the importance of transparency and fairness in regulatory processes.

The situation reflects a common challenge faced by religious institutions in navigating complex legal frameworks. While the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church accepts the need for financial oversight, it advocates for a more compassionate approach that allows for growth and service. This perspective resonates with the biblical call to “do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8), emphasizing the need for both accountability and grace.

Source: Read the original report