By Muslim Mirror News,
Hyderabad, August 24: The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), the state level body of Bishops / Church Heads, has opposed the state government move to formulate laws to control Christian properties.
“The APFC opposes government legislation on Church properties and any form of government control over the properties of Christian Educational Institutions,” said Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthoniraj Thumma and Mr. B. Danam IAS (Retd), Executive Secretaries, APFC. In a memorandum to the Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, the APFC leaders said such move would be contrary to the protection given by the Constitution of the country. “As you are aware, formation of any sort of Board / Council for Christians by the Government with a view to regulate or exercise control over their affairs would only go against Articles 26-30 of our Constitution,” they said on Friday.
APFC had earlier submitted a report to the government over the subject and urged the chief minister to consider the report.
“After much reflection and due deliberation, the APFC had prepared a Position Paper titled: “Official Stand and Views of the Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches on enacting a Law for the Regulation of Church Properties”. It was already submitted to you through our APFC letter dated 15-12-2011 and was the seal of acknowledgement was obtained in the Office of the Chief Minister on 23-12-2011.”
The state government through G.O. Rt. No. 3696 dated 17-08-2013 of General Administration (Cabinet) Department has constituted a Group of Ministers for enacting a legislation on Christian Properties and Educational Institutes.
“While thanking you and the Government of A.P. for your concern for safeguarding the Church properties, we request you consider seriously the views of the APFC on the matter and not to proceed further without consulting the Archbishops / Bishops and taking them into confidence,” the APFC leaders demanded the chief minister.