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AP Govt Orders Demolition Of Pastor Satish Kumar’s Calvary Temple Church In Guntur Over Unauthorized Operations

The Commune

The Minority Welfare Department of Andhra Pradesh has issued demolition orders for the Calvary Temple Church located in Namburu village, Pedakakani Mandal, Guntur District, following serious allegations and an investigation confirming its illegal operations. The demolition will be carried out as per legal procedures for structures operating without the necessary permissions.

The controversy began in November 2024 when a resident of Vasantharayapuram, Guntur, lodged a formal complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office. The complaint outlined five major allegations against the church, including its operation without requisite approvals from key government departments such as Panchayat Raj, Revenue, Police, and the Noise Pollution Control Board.

The complainant further accused the church, led by Pastor Rev. Dr. Satish Kumar of Hyderabad, of collecting substantial sums of money through tithes without paying taxes. The church was also alleged to have engaged in converting Hindus to Christianity by distributing groceries to the poor and spreading false teachings.

An investigation into these allegations corroborated the claims, leading to the issuance of the demolition orders. Officials confirmed that appropriate measures would be taken to remove the illegal structure.

Pastor P. Satish Kumar, the founder of Calvary Temple, Hyderabad, leads one of Asia’s largest churches, boasting a membership of over 400,000 and weekly attendance exceeding 20,000.

In addition to the church, his organization runs Calvary Bible College, Calvary Hospital, and Calvary Schools. Pastor Kumar wields considerable influence in Andhra Pradesh and beyond, with a significant presence in national and international Christian communities.

He is a frequent visitor to countries such as South Korea, South Africa, and the United States, where he engages in preaching activities. In 2018, he met with then-U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who commented, “Inspiring to meet with Dr. Satish Kumar – pastor of Calvary Temple Church in Hyderabad, India. We discussed the importance of protecting religious freedom with faith leaders including Dr. David Jeremiah, Dr. John Ankerberg, Steve Green, Mart Green, and Dr. Jerry Johnson.”

About Calvary Temple India

Founded in 2005 by Dr. Satish Kumar, Calvary Temple India has grown into a major organization, often portraying its founder as a respected pastor, author, and international speaker known for visionary leadership and “integrity.” However, a closer examination of his activities reveals concerns regarding the nature of his missionary work. Pastor Satish Kumar’s emphasis on “biblical standards” seems strategically designed to expand his influence, with a strong focus on aggressive conversions within India. While he projects an image of humility and approachability, his actions suggest a more calculated effort to exert control under the guise of humanitarian work.

The rapid growth of Calvary Temple, which boasts a membership of over 400,000, has drawn significant attention. Questions have been raised about the resources fueling this expansion and the methods used to secure funding, often targeting economically vulnerable communities. The church proudly claims that its primary structure was built in an impressive 52 days, highlighting its efficiency but also raising concerns about its operational priorities.

In addition to its main church, Calvary Temple oversees several initiatives, including Calvary Bible College, Calvary Hospital, and programs offering free meals. While these activities are framed as philanthropic efforts, critics argue they are part of a broader strategy to establish a dominant religious network rather than purely altruistic endeavors. The organization’s rapid rise and focus on expansion underscore a mission that appears to go beyond faith, aiming instead to consolidate influence and power.

Calvary Temple has faced repeated accusations of legal violations, including unauthorized land encroachments and constructing new churches through questionable agreements. On October 28, 2024, the Legal Rights Protection Forum revealed on the social media platform X that revenue officials had confiscated a digital church branch operated by Pastor Kumar in Kakinada, following an order from the district collector.

This latest action against the Calvary Temple Church in Guntur is seen as part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized religious structures in Andhra Pradesh.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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