Mumbai: Auxiliary Bishop Savio Fernandes of Bombay has voiced serious concerns regarding the proposed Freedom of Religion Bill in Maharashtra, cautioning that the legislation, though framed as a measure to protect religious freedom, may inadvertently threaten the state’s charitable and humanitarian activities. The Bishop stressed that the Bill could create a chilling effect on faith-based service, potentially discouraging acts of compassion that have long supported communities across the state, irrespective of religious affiliation.
In a detailed statement, Bishop Fernandes highlighted that the Bill, aimed at preventing forced conversions, risks being misused to target Catholic institutions and other faith-based organizations engaged in education, healthcare, shelter, and relief work for the marginalized. “The planned Freedom of Religion Bill in Maharashtra, far from safeguarding freedom, threatens to stifle the very spirit of compassion that lies at the heart of our society,” he said.
For decades, Catholic religious and charitable institutions have reached out to the most vulnerable populations, providing food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, education to underprivileged children, and medical care to those who cannot afford it. These efforts, carried out purely on humanitarian grounds, serve people from all faiths, castes, and communities, without any element of coercion.
Bishop Fernandes warned that the new law could transform such acts of kindness into potential liabilities. “Once this Bill is passed, every act of charity could be misinterpreted or maliciously portrayed as an attempt at conversion,” he noted. Citing precedents from other parts of India, the Bishop explained that similar legislation has often been exploited by right-wing groups to harass and intimidate religious minorities, weaponizing false allegations to stifle humanitarian outreach.
The Auxiliary Bishop underscored that the Catholic Church unequivocally rejects forced conversion, emphasizing that true conversion is a voluntary and conscious act of faith. He stressed that India already has sufficient laws to address coercion or fraud, and additional restrictive measures risk turning the state’s charitable sector into a space of fear and suspicion.
Bishop Fernandes appealed to lawmakers and citizens alike to ensure that legislation upholds the true essence of religious freedom the freedom to serve, love, and live one’s faith through acts of charity. “Let compassion, not suspicion, guide our laws,” he urged, cautioning that failure to do so could leave the most vulnerable populations those dependent on charitable organizations for basic needs without crucial support.
The Bishop’s statement comes amid growing debate over the Bill, which has sparked concern among religious communities, human rights activists, and civil society organizations across Maharashtra. Observers note that the legislation, if enacted in its current form, could have far-reaching implications for the state’s social service ecosystem and the wider principle of freedom of conscience.