In a significant meeting held in the national capital, Christian MPs have called on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) to take a firm stand against the Waqf Bill and express solidarity with the Muslim community. The meeting, the first of its kind in decades, was attended by a group of Christian MPs from various opposition parties.
The MPs expressed concern about the Waqf Bill’s potential impact on minority rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. They emphasized the need for the Christian community to take an in-principle stand against the legislation and actively support the Muslim community.
A senior opposition MP, who was present at the meeting, also suggested that the community leadership should highlight the positive contributions of the Muslim community and not just react to negative news.
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The meeting, chaired by Archbishop Andrews, discussed a range of issues including the role of Christian MPs in supporting and protecting the community and its rights, the increasing attacks and threats against minorities, especially Christians, and the misuse of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to target Christian institutions.
One suggestion made at the meeting was to convey that three out of four students in Christian institutions come from different communities. Another MP stressed that the Christian leadership should take a stand to “call out those who are not protecting the Constitution.”
The CBCI, the apex body of Catholics in India, called the meeting on December 3rd, which was attended by around 20 MPs, mostly from opposition parties. TMC’s parliamentary party leader Derek O’Brien, Congress MPs Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Anto Antony, and CPI(M) MP John Brittas were among those present. Union Minister of State George Kurian also joined the meeting later.
This development highlights the growing concern among Christian leaders about the challenges faced by minority communities in India and their willingness to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community.
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