FIACONA Elects New Leadership to Strengthen Advocacy for Persecuted Christians
Washington, D.C. – The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) successfully conducted its 2025 leadership elections on January 30, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for persecuted Christians and fostering unity within the Indian Christian community in the United States. The election saw strong participation, with nearly 30 candidates contesting for various leadership positions. Bimal J., of Philadelphia, was elected as the new President, bringing with him over a decade of experience in leading Christian and nonprofit organizations in managerial and strategic roles. In his acceptance address, President-elect Bimal J. underscored his steadfast dedication to advocating for persecuted Christians in India while strengthening solidarity among Indian Christians in the United States. In addition to the President, a seven-member Executive Committee was also elected. This leadership team will guide FIACONA’s efforts in championing religious freedom, human rights, and the well-being of Indian Christians worldwide.
UNITED CHRISTIAN FORUM
UCF Says Unchecked Persecution and Continuing Government Silence Will Threaten Christian Identity
CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF INDIA (CBCI)
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) deserves commendation for its courageous press release that unequivocally condemned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks, calling them out for what they are - fabricated claims aimed at maligning the Christian community. By speaking truth to power without fear, the CBCI has demonstrated its commitment to standing up for the rights and dignity of minorities. Many newspapers like the Hindustan Times, The Telegraph, Deccan Herald have carried it.
“SCOURGE OF RELIGIOUS NATIONALISMS” – OUR INTERFAITH WITNESS
PRESS RELEASE: "SCOURGE OF RELIGIOUS NATIONALISMS" – OUR INTERFAITH WITNESS FIACONA joined two interfaith press conferences on religious nationalisms on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the United Nations in New York City, NY New York, NY—September 20, 2024 This past weekend, FIACONA was proud to be represented at two crucial events across New York City and in Long Island, standing shoulder to shoulder with activists, faith leaders, and civil society members in the ongoing fight against religious nationalism and the persecution of religious minorities. Our presence at each event underscored our commitment to advocating for human rights, religious freedom, and the preservation of democratic values worldwide. Press Conference at the United Nations: "The Scourge of Religious Nationalisms" On Friday, September 20, at 2 PM, the annual UN General Assembly provided the backdrop for an interfaith press conference at 777 United Nations Plaza, titled "The Scourge of Religious Nationalisms." Speakers from various faith traditions gathered to condemn how governments have distorted religious teachings to fuel supremacist ideologies and empower autocratic regimes including the rise of Hindu supremacy in India and the globally that perpetuates violence through national and state public policies. Please watch the Press Conference here. These are a few excerpts of
Over 300 U.S. Christian Leaders Appeal for Persecuted Indian Religious Minorities
Letter to U.S. State Department demands designating India a “Country of Particular Concern” CLICK TO VIEW LETTER & SIGNATORIES August 1, 2024: Washington, DC — Hundreds of mostly American Christian leaders have united in a powerful call to action in a letter urging the U.S. State Department to designate India a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). “As Indian Christians struggle to follow their faith in the face of Hindu supremacist policies, persecution of religious minorities is being buried by U.S. adoration of the current Indian regime,” says Federation of Indian-American Christian Organizations in North America (FIACONA) Executive Director Rev. Neal Christie. “This letter highlights the rapidly escalating state-sanctioned violations of human rights targeting religious minorities, including Christians, Muslims, Dalits, and indigenous tribal peoples.” The over 300 signatories include 18 bishops, three archbishops and 167 clergy from diverse denominational and non-denominational backgrounds, eight current or former presidents and deans from five theological schools, and leaders from over 40 Christian organizations. This is the first letter ever produced by U.S. Christian leaders addressing religious persecution in India. Signatories include the immediate past president of the National Council of Churches; the president, immediate past president, and ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church
UNITED CHRISTIAN FORUM
ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT'S SAFFRON.TINGED BAIL RULING FUELS FEAR FOR GHRISTIANS
JOINT STATEMENT AT USCIRF HEARING
Read by Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director, Hindus for Human Rights (832 words / 4:35 min) Dear USCIRF Chair Cooper and Vice Chair Davie, Thank you for inviting me to testify. I speak on behalf of Dalit Solidarity Forum, Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations, Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council, India Civil Watch International, and the New York State Council of Churches. We are disappointed that Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Dalits, who face the brunt of religious freedom and human rights violations under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have not been invited to speak on this panel. The Biden Administration is in denial of religious persecution in India, failing to call out India’s persecution of its 250 million Muslims and 40 million Christians. In June, President Biden shocked the world by applauding India’s “open, tolerant, robust debate” with Modi standing next to him at the White House, just two days after 75 Members of US Congress had written to Biden expressing concern over “the shrinking of political space, the rise of religious intolerance, the targeting of civil society organizations and journalists, and growing restrictions on press freedoms and internet access” in India. Yesterday, The New York Times wrote: “Mr. Biden has soft-pedaled any criticism of the increasing
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Federation of Indian American Christian organizations (FIACONA), in a meeting of pastors and community leaders in Chicago area today, thanked the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF), for its call to all its churches and all Chritians around the world to observe a 'Day of Prayer' on Sunday, August 20, 2023, for Kuki-Zomi and Meitei Christian victims in Manipur, India. Please share. BWA/APBF STATEMENT ON MANIPUR VIOLENCE: In May 2023, violence erupted in Manipur – an Indian state located in the northeastern part of the country along the Myanmar border. As of August 4, the violence has resulted in more than 170 deaths, 1,800+ houses burned, 350+ churches destroyed, and over 500 individuals injured and hospitalized. More than 50,000 people have been forced to flee their homes for refugee camps because of, among other political factors, their ethnicity and faith in Jesus Christ. Your prayers for Christians in Manipur and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict are desperately needed! The Baptist World Alliance and Asia Pacific Baptist Federation are calling Baptists worldwide to set aside time in their homes, church services, and communities on Sunday, August 20, for a time of united prayer for Manipur. Resources to support your
