National Day of Prayer and fasting on 28th June 2,026 (Sunday) was held in opposition to the proposed FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced by the Union Government in Parliament in March 2026. It saw the historic participation of

PRESS NOTE

National Day of Prayer and fasting on 28th June 2,026 (Sunday) was held in opposition to the proposed FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced by the Union Government in Parliament in March 2026. It saw the historic participation of lakhs of devotees and a widespread response across the country, organised by various Christian denominations.

The Joint Action Forum on Minorities (JAFM) successfully organised the National Day of Fasting and Prayer against the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which drew a historic nationwide response. Lakhs of devotees from various Christian denominations across the country joined and participated in special prayer meetings organised by religious institutions and community organisations throughout the day, where prayers were offered for the nation, constitutional governance, democratic freedoms, and especially for the withdrawal of the proposed draconian FCRA Amendment Bill 2026.

Later in the evening, between 4pm and 7.30 pm, a National Prayer via Webinar was organised by the Joint Action Forum on Minorities, chaired by Mr P. Wilson, Member of Parliament, and convened by Mr John Samuel, with more than 500 participants across the country joining the national prayer online.

The nationwide online gathering brought together Members of Parliament, religious leaders, representatives of various denominations, political party representatives, charitable organisations, educational and healthcare institutions, legal experts, civil society organisations, and community leaders, reaffirming a collective commitment to protect constitutional values and seek the withdrawal of the proposed FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Addressing the gathering, Mr P. Wilson, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Joint Action Forum on Minorities, described the overwhelming participation as a historic success and a clear demonstration that concerns regarding the proposed legislation extend far beyond any one denomination or community. He stated that institutions serving the nation through education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and social welfare have united to defend constitutional rights through peaceful and democratic means.

Mr Wilson explained that the proposed FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, along with the recently notified amendments to the FCRA Rules, could significantly impact religious institutions, educational institutions, hospitals, charitable organisations, NGOs, and humanitarian agencies across India. He announced the launch of the Nationwide Signature Campaign, urging all institutions to collect signatures using the format circulated by JAFM, submit representations to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India seeking to withdraw the draconian Bill and submit them through respective District Collectors and, where necessary, forward them to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India by Speed Post. He also called upon all institutions to bolster preparations for the National Protest Day on 3 July 2026 through peaceful demonstrations, awareness programmes, and submission of memoranda.

Ms Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Member of Parliament, Leader of the Parliamentary Party, and Deputy General Secretary of the DMK, explained the implications of the proposed FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and expressed concern over the expansion of executive powers, the proposed Designated Authority, the deemed cessation provisions, and the vesting of assets. She emphasised that the legislation could have far-reaching consequences for educational institutions, healthcare providers, charitable organisations, and humanitarian institutions that have served society for decades, and called upon citizens to strengthen the nationwide democratic movement seeking its withdrawal. She highlighted the letter written by DMK President Mr MK Stalin, when he was the Chief Minister, to the Hon’ble Prime Minister requesting the withdrawal of the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026.

Mr Derek O’Brien, Member of Parliament from the All India Trinamool Congress, emphasised that while prayer provides moral strength, democratic engagement and political action are equally essential. He highlighted the significant contribution of religious and charitable institutions in education, healthcare, and social services. He stressed the importance of all democratic forces uniting in opposing provisions that could adversely affect institutions serving millions of Indians.

Among the Members of Parliament who addressed the gathering were Dr D. Ravi Kumar, Member of Parliament VCK party; Mr Christopher Tilak of the All India Congress party; Mr A. A. Rahim, Member of Parliament from CPI (M) and President of DYFI All India Committee; Dr Kalanidhi Veersamy, Member of Parliament of the DMK; who all spoke in one voice against the FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, its serious implications, and called for its withdrawal.

Special prayers and messages of solidarity were offered by Fr Joe Arun SJ, Chairman of the Tamilnadu Minorities Commission; Mr Pravesh Solomon, Vice Chairman of the Jharkhand Minority Commission; Rev Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI); Paul Dhinakaran of Jesus Calls; Pastor Mohan of the Assemblies of God Church; Mr Ben Berson; Fr Rajan Livingston of Tirunelveli; Rev Izieteilung Terieng; Ms Amita Joseph; Mr Philip; Mr Valson Varghese; representatives of the Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum; Rev Dr Varughese John; Mr Lun Khuptong; Mr Jackwin; Mrs Kunjamma Mathew, President of the National YWCA; Ms Bharathi Joshi of IEM; Mr Daniel Jeyachandran; Sr Anastasia Gill; Mr Ravi Paul Senior Advocate; Ms Christina of Aizawl; Mr Vijay Isaac; Rev Morrison Rose; Mr Aloysius Ephrem Alex; and Mr Thanglura Darlong, along with numerous bishops, pastors, religious leaders, legal experts, healthcare professionals, and civil society representatives from across India. Participants from outside India also attended.

The Joint Action Forum on Minorities expressed gratitude to all participating organisations, as well as to many religious, educational, healthcare, charitable, and civil society groups that observed the National Day of Fasting and Prayer throughout the country, making it a grand success so that the prayers reach the ears of those in power.

The Forum reiterated that this movement is not confined to any one religion or community but is a nationwide constitutional movement to defend democratic freedoms, institutional autonomy, and the invaluable contributions of organisations serving millions through education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and social welfare.

JAFM called on all citizens and institutions to actively participate in the ongoing Nationwide Signature Campaign and the National Protest Day on 3 July 2026, reaffirming its commitment to pursue peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means to secure the withdrawal of the proposed FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026.