National Federation of Churches in India formed

The National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) was formally launched on 8 May 2026 at the Fourth National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship Meeting in St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru. Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), was named the first Chairman of the NFCI.

National Federation of Churches in India

The NFCI functions as a national ecumenical body and an umbrella organisation for Catholics, Protestant mainline denominations, evangelical groups, independent churches, and the Pentecostal community in India. An ecumenical body is an organisation that promotes cooperation among different Christian denominations.

Leadership and office-bearers

Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, and Bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar were selected as Conveners of the NFCI. Father Anthonyraj Thumma, National Secretary of the CBCI, will serve as the Secretary of the NFCI.

Church structure in India

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India is the permanent organisation of Catholic bishops in India. The Archbishop of Hyderabad is one of the senior ecclesiastical offices in the Latin Catholic hierarchy in India.

Important Facts for Exams

• The NFCI was launched during the Fourth National Ecumenical Bishops’ Fellowship Meeting.
• St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Cardinal Anthony Poola is the Archbishop of Hyderabad and the President of the CBCI.
• The NFCI includes Catholic, Protestant, evangelical, independent, and Pentecostal groups.

The NFCI was launched with guidelines approved by about 45 senior Church leaders, including Archbishops, Bishops, Church Heads, and delegates. The federation was formed to act as a single voice for the Christian community on matters of common concern.