A group of Christian MPs has urged the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) to stand with the Muslim community regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The MPs stressed the need for the Church to uphold the minority rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
This viewpoint was expressed during a meeting convened by the CBCI in New Delhi on Tuesday. The CBCI, which represents the majority of Catholic churches in India, organised the session to discuss concerns surrounding the Bill, which has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for stakeholder consultation.
An MP who participated in the meeting highlighted concerns that the Waqf Amendment Bill undermines constitutional principles. The Church was urged to oppose the Bill, despite isolated cases of property disputes. One such example is the Kerala State Waqf Board’s claim over 404 acres of land in Munambam, Ernakulam, which has been home to approximately 600 Christian and Hindu families for generations.
The MPs also called for a unified stand against the rise of anti Muslim sentiment in the country, emphasising the importance of combating hatred and protecting the rights of all minority communities.
The meeting, chaired by CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, saw participation from leaders across political parties. Attendees included Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and BJP leader George Kurian, CPI(M) MP John Brittas, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien, Congress MPs Hibi Eden and Dean Kuriakose, and Zoram People’s Movement MP Richard Vanlalhmangaiha.
