US Congressman Raises Alarm Over India's FCRA Amendments Impacting Religious Organizations

A US Congressman has expressed deep concerns regarding India's proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), suggesting they could lead to government control over churches and religious charities. Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, warned that these changes might strain India-US relations and labeled them as an attack on Christians. His remarks come amid growing opposition in India, particularly in Mizoram, where churches and civil society groups are mobilizing against the legislation. The proposed FCRA amendments aim to empower the government to take control of foreign contributions when organizations lose their registration. This situation raises significant questions about religious freedom and the future of foreign-funded charities in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 13:05 IST

Concerns Over Proposed FCRA Changes

File image of US Congressman Riley Moore. (Photo:@RepRileyMoore/X)

Washington/Guwahati, Aug 5: A Congressman from the United States has voiced serious concerns regarding the Indian government's proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). He argues that these amendments could facilitate government control over churches and religious charities.

Riley Moore, a Republican Congressman from West Virginia, warned that these developments might strain India-US relations, labeling the proposed changes as "a direct assault on Christians."

In a social media post, Moore stated, "This is a clear attack against Christians. If this bill moves forward as proposed, it could significantly impact our bilateral ties with India."

He highlighted that Christians have been part of India's history since St. Thomas the Apostle arrived at the Malabar Coast shortly after Jesus Christ's resurrection.

Christians have been in India since St. Thomas the Apostle traveled to the Malabar Coast just decades after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment…
— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) August 4, 2026

Despite this rich history, Moore asserted that the Indian Parliament is contemplating amendments to the FCRA that could enable government takeovers of churches and religious organizations.

His comments come as opposition to the proposed legislation grows, especially in Mizoram, where churches, civil society groups, and political parties have expressed strong dissent.

The Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), which represents major Christian denominations in the state, has scheduled a protest march in Aizawl on August 11 against the proposed changes.

Opposition has been escalating in the region over recent weeks. On July 26, the Baptist Church of Mizoram held special prayer services across its congregations, seeking divine intervention regarding the proposed amendments.

The Mizo National Front (MNF), the opposition party, has also called on the state's Members of Parliament to reject the Bill. On July 28, MNF vice-president Lalchhandama Ralte characterized the proposed amendments as a significant threat to churches, NGOs, educational institutions, and charitable organizations that depend on foreign funding.

The FCRA Bill, 2026 aims to empower the government to create a "Designated Authority" that would take control of foreign contributions and assets from organizations whose FCRA registration has been canceled, surrendered, or has lapsed due to non-renewal.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, between 2019 and 2022, 13,520 organizations received foreign contributions totaling Rs 55,741 crore.

Data from the FCRA portal indicates that as of July 15, 2026, India had 14,449 organizations with active FCRA registrations, while 22,498 certificates had been canceled and another 15,212 had expired.