Washington, D.C.: U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) has expressed support for Dr. K. A. Paul’s concerns over the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026. Together, they have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to revise provisions they believe could affect religious and charitable institutions.
Sheehy and Paul Seek Protection for Religious Institutions
The two leaders urged the Indian government to remove provisions that could potentially allow authorities to take control of churches, orphanages, schools, hospitals, charities and other properties associated with Christian, Muslim and other religious minority communities.
They stressed that foreign funding regulations should not threaten institutions that provide education, healthcare, shelter and charitable services.
Concerns Over FCRA Designated Authority
Dr. Paul raised questions about the proposed Designated Authority. He said the authority could take control of assets obtained through foreign contributions and related properties if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or expires. However, he warned that such action could affect institutions that rely on these assets to continue their charitable and humanitarian work.
Paul warned that the provision could create uncertainty for long-running churches, schools, hospitals and charitable organisations serving poor and vulnerable communities. He said the measure may disrupt institutions that have provided essential services for years, particularly those supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable sections of society.
Paul Highlights Value
Paul claimed that the combined assets of these institutions could be worth trillions of dollars. He urged the Modi government to reconsider the provision and protect Christian charities and their properties.
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy Expresses Full Support for Dr. Paul
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy backed Dr. K. A. Paul’s appeal and assured him, “We got your back 100 percent.” Sheehy said Speaker Johnson and President Donald Trump also have great respect for Dr. Paul.
He highlighted the need to safeguard Christians, missionaries and churches, expressing hope that their religious work and institutions would remain protected.
Riley Moore Calls Proposed Bill a Concern
The issue has gained attention among other U.S. lawmakers as well. Congressman Riley Moore recently expressed concern over the proposed legislation, calling its potential impact a “clear attack against Christians.”
Tim Sheehy Commends Paul’s Humanitarian Efforts
At a meeting with Dr. Paul at his Washington office, Sheehy praised his work in spreading the Gospel, addressing poverty, promoting common-sense values and supporting religious freedom worldwide.
Sheehy said Paul is “fighting for freedom” and “fighting for liberty all over the world.”
FCRA Debate: Paul and Sheehy Back Stronger Oversight
Dr. K. A. Paul and U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy recognised India’s sovereign authority to regulate foreign funding. However, Paul also highlighted his contribution to charitable causes, stating that he has donated millions of dollars from his hard-earned income to build schools, orphanages and mercy homes.
Moreover, he stressed that these efforts were carried out without converting anyone, underscoring what he described as his commitment to humanitarian service.
Religious Institutions Should Be Protected
Paul and Sheehy called for stronger monitoring of foreign contributions but stressed that such oversight should not threaten the properties, institutions or missions of Christian and other religious minority communities.
They said foreign funds received by charitable organisations are specifically designated and restricted for charity-related activities rather than for government use.
Paul claimed that Muslim and Christian communities in around 200 countries could lose trust in the new government. He also said Christians and Muslims together represent about 60% of the global population.
Dr. Paul’s Faith-Based Humanitarian Advocacy
Dr. Paul founded the Global Peace Initiative and several other organisations. He has continued to advocate for seven faith-based institutions working to support poor and vulnerable people in India and across the world. His work has also brought him into contact with political leaders in the United States.
Religious Freedom and India-U.S. Relations
The meeting comes as proposed FCRA amendments receive growing bipartisan attention in the U.S. Paul and Sheehy said protecting religious freedom and faith-based institutions is also important to the broader people-to-people relationship between India and the United States.
