June 25, 2008
New York
The Federation Of Indian American Christian Organizations Of North America (FIACONA) Held Its Eighth Annual General Body Meeting In New York. Representatives Of Various Indian Christian Organizations Gathered In New York To Elect A New Executive Board For Various Positions Of The Federation.
Speaking At The Meeting In NY The Outgoing President, Abraham Mammen Expressed Concerns Over The Worsening Religious Freedom Situation In India. He Further Referred To The Recently Updated Hindu Student Council Report And Cautioned That Such Groups In The US Are Actively Exploiting The US College Campuses With Their Campaign Of Hate And Misinformation.
'The Meeting Passed A Resolution Requesting The Government Of Orissa To Rehabilitate The Refugees From The Christmas Riots Of 2007 And Bring The Culprits Who Perpetrated The Violence On Innocent People To Justice Without Further Delay.
Rev. Bernard Malik Of Delaware Won A Unanimous Vote To Succeed Mr. Abraham Mammen Of New York, As The President Of FIACONA. Understanding The Need Of The Organization And The Desire To Proceed With The Important Work Of FIACONA, Outgoing President Mr. Abraham Mammen Graciously Agreed To Be The National Vice President. Mr. Titus Mathew Of Dallas Texas Was Elected As The Next General Secretary Along With Mr. Mike Masand As Joint Secretary. Mr.Rajseelan Sampson Of Washington Was Elected Treasurer Along With Mr. P. V. Varghese As Joint Treasurer. Mr. Linus Taylor, Dr. Varghese Abraham, Mr. Solomon Christian, And Mr. Jose Anthony Of Chicago Were Elected To Be The Regional Vice-Presidents Of FIACONA From Their Respective Regions. Seven Members Of The General Board, Mr. George Abraham, Rev. Wilson Jose, Mr. Thomas T Oommen, Rev. Dr. Itty Abraham, Dr. P. V. Varghese And Mr. John Prabudos Were Elected To Be The Members At Large Of The Executive Board. Mr. Varghese Chacko Of Chicago Was Elected The Chairman Of Finance Committee. Dr. Sajan George Of Bangalore, Dr. Samuel Mathai Of Bhopal And Dr. Jaychand Palakonda Were Nominated To The Advisory Board. Dr. Victor Joseph Of Pennsylvania Was Elected The Chairman Of The Powerful Government Relations Committee.
The Meeting Commenced In A Spirit Of Prayer And Devotion By Dr. Itty Abraham Being Mindful Of The Challenges Faced By Christians And Other Minority Communities In India. FIACONA Reaffirmed Its Role As North America's Main Advocacy Group Focused On The Security And Religious Freedom Of The Christian Community In India. The Meeting Emphasized The Need To Further Strengthen FIACONA's Member Networks In North America Besides Encouraging And Supporting The Christian Institutions In India. Mr.John Prabudos Presented The Secretary’ Report Via Web Conference As He Is On An Important Trip To Spain. Rev. Wilson Jose Presented A Check Of $5000.00 For Victims Of Orissa. Dr. Sajan George Presented An Overview Of Orissa Situation. Dr. Samuel Mathew Appealed To FIACONA For Continued Moral Support For The Churches In India.
General Body Acknowledged And Appreciated The Work Put In The Report By Mr. George Abraham On The Plight Of The Christians In Orissa. The New President In His Remarks Referred To George As The “conscience Keeper” Of FIACONA. Mr. George Abraham Urged Everyone To Play More Active Role In Building New Alliances With Other Likeminded Organizations In The United States. The General Body Gave A Standing Ovation To Mr. Abraham Mammen The Outgoing President For Dedicated Leadership. Titus Mathew Expressed A Deep Note Of Thanks To The Outgoing Team On Behalf Of The General Body.
FIACONA Noted That Thousands Of Christians Still Live In Fear And Anguish In Orissa. The General Body Urged The Government To Take Corrective Measures To Rehabilitate The Displaced. FIACONA Expressed The Fear That The Like Of Happenings Of Orissa Set A Serious Threat To The Future Of Secular India. The Newly Elected President, Rev. Bernard Malik Expressed The Need To Strengthen FIACONA's Work To Build Awareness On These Issues Within The Indian American Community In The United States And Emphasized That FIACONA Was Totally Committed To Ensuring Constitutional Guarantees Of Religious Freedom For Everyone.
The New Team Was Sworn In By Mr. Susai Anthony The Chairman Of Nomination Committee. FIACONA Is By Far The Most Influential Fellowship Of Indian Christian Organizations In North America
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