Maharashtra Catholic Bishops Voice Strong Opposition to New Freedom of Religion Act
In a significant development, Catholic bishops affiliated with the Western Region Bishops' Council in Maharashtra have issued a formal statement expressing deep disappointment and strong protest against the recently enacted Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026. The legislation, which was passed by the state assembly, has sparked controversy and drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders who argue it infringes on fundamental rights.
Bishops Demand Withdrawal or Substantial Revision of the Act
The bishops have explicitly called for the withdrawal or substantial revision of the Act, asserting that it fails to uphold the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. In their press statement released on Thursday, they emphasized that the law, rather than safeguarding religious liberty, undermines the very essence of the right to choose and profess one's religion as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
We strongly oppose this Act in its current form and call for its immediate withdrawal or substantial revision. Religious freedom is not a concession granted by the State; it is a fundamental right, the bishops declared. This stance highlights their firm belief that the Act could potentially restrict individual freedoms and set a concerning precedent for religious practices in the state.
Signatories and Broader Implications
The statement was endorsed by a prominent group of bishops, including:
- Elias Gonsalves, Archbishop of Nagpur
- John Rodrigues, Archbishop of Bombay
- Sebastian, Archeparchy of Kalyan
- Thomas D’sousa, Bishop of Vasai
- Lancy Pinto, Bishop of Aurangabad
- Simon Almeida, Bishop of Pune
- Ephrem Nariculam, Eparchy of Chanda
- Malcolm Sequeira, Bishop of Amravati
- Matthews Mar Pochomio, Eparchy of Khadki
- Agnelo Pinheiro, Diocese of Sindhudurg
- Auxiliary Bishops Savio Fernandes, Stephen Fernandes, and Allwyn D’souza of Mumbai
This collective action underscores the widespread concern within the Catholic community regarding the potential impacts of the Act. The bishops' protest adds to ongoing debates about religious freedom in India, particularly in the context of state-level legislation that may affect minority groups.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, with calls for dialogue and reconsideration of the Act's provisions to ensure alignment with constitutional principles and protect the rights of all citizens.
