• Source:JND
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Christians should stand alongside Muslims on the matter of WAQF as it pertains to the rights of minorities as enshrined in the constitution of India, Christian MPs have reportedly told a key religious body, news agency PTI reported. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the highest representative body of Catholics in India, convened a meeting of Christian MPs in Delhi on December 3, with around 20 MPs, primarily from opposition parties, in attendance.

Trinamool Congress parliamentary leader Derek O'Brien, Congress MPs Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, and Anto Antony, along with CPI(M) MP John Brittas, participated in the meeting, with Union Minister George Kurian joining later.

Archbishop Andrews, the CBCI president chaired the meeting, being termed as an 'informal' gathering, which was held after many years, the report further stated.

"The meeting, which took place on December 3, 2024, was called for informal sharing and discussion among Christian MPs from various political parties and the CBCI. The gathering concluded with a Christmas dinner, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and festive cheer," it said.

"The CBCI emphasises that this meeting was not a formal conference or a politically-motivated event, but rather an opportunity for Christian MPs to come together and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas," it added.

However, an MP present during the meeting questioned why an agenda was circulated if it was not a formal meeting.

The meeting's agenda included the role of Christian MPs in supporting and protecting the community and its rights, increasing attacks and threats against minorities, especially Christians, and the misuse of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to target Christian institutions.

The source said a senior opposition MP suggested that the community leadership should highlight "positive points, the important role being played by the community today" and "not just be only reactive to negative news".

A suggestion was made to convey to the government and people that three out of four students in Christian educational institutions are, in fact, from different communities. One MP said there is a need to put a stop to "photo ops" and stressed that the community leadership should take a stand to "call out those who are not protecting the Constitution".