The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has called on Catholic churches across India to observe June 28, 2026, as a National Day of Prayer in response to the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill.
The bill is expected to be discussed during Parliament’s Monsoon Session, and Church leaders have expressed concern that it could affect the charitable, educational, healthcare, and social service activities carried out by Christian institutions across the country.
In a circular dated June 17, Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the CBCI, said that the Church in India has always served society, especially the poor and marginalized, inspired by the Gospel values of love, justice, and compassion.
The CBCI has requested all parishes to include special prayers during Holy Mass and organize Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, prayer services, and voluntary fasting on June 28. It has also encouraged ecumenical prayer gatherings with members of other Christian denominations.
The circular further asked dioceses, parishes, and Church institutions to prepare memoranda signed by the faithful and other people of goodwill. These memoranda should express concerns about the possible impact of the proposed legislation and may be submitted to the Central Government through local Members of Parliament.
Quoting Philippians 4:6, Cardinal Poola reminded the faithful not to be anxious but to present their concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving. He described prayer as a peaceful and democratic way of expressing concern.
The CBCI also requested that the circular be translated into regional languages and read in all churches on June 21 to encourage the participation of the faithful in the nationwide observance.
