In a formal complaint addressed to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the Legal Rights Protection Forum has raised concerns over alleged religious conversions aimed at poor and marginalized children in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The complaint specifically points to the activities of two non-governmental organizations (NGOs), ‘Jesus Redeems‘ and ‘New Life Society,’ operating from the same address.
According to the complaint, ‘Jesus Redeems’ (FCRA: 076160018) and ‘New Life Society’ (FCRA: 076160030) are reportedly involved in targeted Christian conversions, particularly focusing on minor children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, using foreign funds. Both NGOs share the office address in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. ‘New Life Society’ is described as an initiative of ‘Jesus Redeems,’ functioning as its parent organization, and the two NGOs have common chief functionaries.
The complaint highlights that ‘Jesus Redeems’ is actively raising foreign funds for ‘New Life Society’ through its official website. Screenshots of the website and additional details are provided as evidence. The New Life Society operates a ‘Child Development Centre’ for underprivileged children, claiming to have initiated it with 83 children and currently supporting 209 poor children. The organization openly expresses its vision and mission, emphasizing Christian values and disciplines.
The complaint draws parallels with a previous case involving Caruna Bal Vikas NGO, where the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case against entities engaged in child conversions with foreign funds. The objectives of Caruna Bal Vikas, as stated in the FIR, are remarkably similar to those of ‘New Life Society.’ Both aim to guide children toward becoming responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.
To substantiate the claim, the complaint refers to financial data indicating substantial foreign donations received by ‘Jesus Redeems’ from Caruna Bal Vikas and Compassion International (US) for child welfare activities. The complaint requests an investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to refer it to the FCRA division of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the cancellation of FCRA licenses for both NGOs. Additionally, it calls for the inclusion of their names in the earlier case registered by the CBI against Caruna Bal Vikas and others.
“In substantiation to the above, Jesus Redeems was the prime affiliate of the Caruna Bal Vikas and Compassion International (US) activities till their operations were terminated by the Government of India. The FCRA returns filed by Jesus Redeems show that the foreign donations from Compassion International (USA) to Caruna Bal Vikas, a Chennai-based NGO were enrooted to its designated FCRA bank account. As per the available data, it is found that the Jesus Redeems had received ₹1,67,68,189 i.e., more than ₹1.5 Cr from Caruna Bal Vikas since year 2009 to 2015 in the name of ‘Welfare of Children’. From the year 2014, Compassion International started donating directly into the FCRA-designated bank account of the ‘Jesus Redeems’ for the same purpose i.e., ‘Child Welfare Activity’. In total, an amount of ₹1,13,04,681 has been received by Jesus Redeems from Compassion International (US) directly to its designated FCRA bank account. It clearly shows that Jesus Redeems is the primary affiliate of Compassion International (US) and Caruna Bal Vikas. Since New Life Society is the sub-entity to the Jesus Redeems and shares a common office address and chief functionaries, both NGOs have an equal share in the crime of religious conversions targeting poor children.“, the LRPF complaint stated.
The complaint alleges that ‘Jesus Redeems’ and ‘New Life Society’ are involved in religious conversions under the guise of child welfare activities, potentially violating the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India. The matter now awaits investigation by relevant authorities.
This objective of New Life Society(NLS) is as same as Caruna Bal Vikas (CBV) which was mentioned by CBI in its FIR in 2020. CBV was majorly & heavily funded by Compassion International. NLS is an initiative of Jesus Redeems whose major donor was again CBV & CI.
Wrote to @NCPCR_ pic.twitter.com/UQ7d8vKk2V
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) November 18, 2023
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