Telangana Federation of Churches Holds Annual General Body Meeting in Secunderabad

Secunderabad, Telangana , 4 June, 2025: The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of the Telangana Federation of Churches (TFC) was held on June 3, 2025, at the Hyderabad Archdiocesan Social Service Society Office (HASSS) in Secunderabad. His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of TFC, presided over the meeting, which brought together around 35 participants, including member bishops, heads of churches, representatives, and special invitees.

Cardinal Poola welcomed the gathering and expressed his joy at the presence of all the attendees. He also made a strong appeal for concrete co-operation and collaboration among all churches for the betterment of the Christian community in Telangana state.

The meeting commenced with a prayer for Christian unity, led by Fr. Raju Alex, Executive Secretary of TFC. The prayer invoked divine guidance and a spirit of togetherness among all the attendees present. Homages were paid to late Pope Francis, with prayers for his eternal repose led by Bp. Sagili Prakash, Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Khammam. Similar prayers were also offered for the repose of the soul of Pastor Praveen Pagadala, who passed away under suspicious circumstances. Prayers were also offered for the fruitful ministry of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.

During the meeting, TFC members unanimously resolved to celebrate Indian Christian Day on July 3 every year to highlight the community's contributions to nation-building. The members also discussed preparations for the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, emphasising the importance of oneness of Christian faith among all the Churches. Rev. Fr. Kondaveeti Anthaiah, Secretary of the Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC), provided updates on the formation of District Action Committees, the admission of new members into TFC and FTC, and the increase in annual membership contributions.

A proposal by Rev. Fr. Raju Alex to establish working groups under TFC for improved coordination and impact was well received. The meeting also included a discussion on empowering Christian teens and youth from the state by providing skill training to help them build a better future.

Shri. Deepak John, Chairman of the Christian Minority Finance Corporation, presented an overview of various programmes and schemes offered by the Corporation and invited all TFC member churches to take advantage of these resources for the upliftment of the Christian community in the State.

In his closing remarks, Bp. Paothang Haokip, Bishop of the Good Shepherd Church, commended the TFC's action-driven initiatives and urged continued collective efforts by all members. Rev. Dr. U. Daniel, Executive Secretary of TFC, delivered the vote of thanks, in which he expressed special appreciation to the Archdiocese of Hyderabad and HASSS Office for hosting the meeting and providing a fellowship meal.

The meeting concluded with a prayer and apostolic blessing from Cardinal Poola Anthony.

By Rev. Fr. Raju Alex and Rev. Dr. U. Daniel,

Executive Secretaries,

Telangana Federation of Churches