LeoSpragg093 at 05:32, 25 March 2026

2026-03-25T05:32:30Z

New page

{{cite news |last=Varghese |first=Rinu |date=11 June 2008 |title=GFA says allegations politically motivated |url=http://www.christiantoday.co.in/articles/gfa-says-allegations-politically-%20motivated/2715.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729010838/http://www.christiantoday.co.in/articles/gfa-says-allegations-politically-%20motivated/2715.htm |archive-date=2014-07-29 |work=Christianity Today India |publisher=}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
|name = Believers Eastern Church
|image = St. Mary's Believers Eastern Church - Niranam.jpg
|alt = A parish of the Believers Church
|imagewidth = 300px
|caption =
|type =
|main_classification = Independent Church
|polity = [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal]]
|leader_title=[[Metropolitan bishop]]
|leader_name = Samuel Mor Theophilus<ref name=Theophilus>{{cite web |title=Holy Synod Elects New Metropolitan |url=https://www.bec.org/new-metropolitan-of-believers-eastern-church-announced/ |website=Believers Eastern Church |date=17 June 2024}}</ref>
|leader_title1 = [[Bishop]]s
|leader_name1 = 30 (2017)<ref name="TH2018" />
|liturgy=Orthodox Liturgy|headquarters=St. Thomas Community, Thiruvalla, Kerala|founder= Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan
|founded_date = 1993
|merger =
|aid =
|hospitals=Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Believers City Clinic, Believers Hospital - Konni|separations =
|associations = [[Kerala Council of Churches]]<ref name="TNIE2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/sep/03/csi-to-stiffen-stance-over-believers-churchs-induction-into-kerala-council-of-churches-1651785.html |title=CSI to stiffen stance over believers church's induction into KCC |date=3 September 2017 |publisher=The New Indian Express |language=en |access-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130350/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/sep/03/csi-to-stiffen-stance-over-believers-churchs-induction-into-kerala-council-of-churches-1651785.html |archive-date=2018-03-21}}</ref> and National Council of Churches in India
|division_type = Dioceses
|division = 91
|division_type1 =
|division1 =
|churches=15000 parishes worldwide|members = 3,500,000{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}
|ministers =
|secondary_schools =Believers Church Residential School - Thiruvalla, Believers Church Residential School, Believers Church Mahatma Central School, Believers Church English Medium School Alappuzha, Believers Church Vijayagiri Public School, Believers Church Grace Garden School and many other schools
|tertiary =
|website = {{URL|www.bec.org}}
|other_names = Believers Church (formerly)
}}

'''Believers Eastern Church''' ('''BEC''', previously '''Believers Church''') is a church of [[India]]n origin with congregations and parishes worldwide. It follows an [[episcopal polity|episcopal]] governance and structure.<ref name="urlBC-About">{{cite web |title=About |url=http://www.believerschurch.com/about/ |access-date=2015-01-10 |publisher=Believers Eastern Church}}</ref> It holds Christ as its head ({{bibleverse|Col|1:18|AMP}}) and further requires that bishops and ordained ministers submit to its metropolitan and his successors. It is governed by a committee of bishops, the synod, with one central bishop holding the honorary title of "[[prima inter pares|first among equals]]" and follows [[Evangelical Christian]] doctrine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bec.org/structure-and-governance/ |title=Structure and Governance |publisher=Believers Eastern Church |access-date=9 July 2025}}</ref> BEC is administratively based in the state of [[Kerala]] in southwestern [[India]]. The church has 91 dioceses<ref name="Believers Eastern Church">{{Cite web |title=Believers Eastern Church Contact Information |url=https://www.bec.org/contact/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Believers Eastern Church}}</ref> in 14 nations. It claims a membership of more than 3.5 million in 10 countries speaking a hundred languages. It has 30 bishops, and the [[Presiding bishop|Metropolitan Bishop]] is Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus<ref name=Theophilus /><ref name="Theophilus2">{{cite web |url=https://www.bec.org/moran-mor-samuel-theophilus-metropolitan/ |title=Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus Metropolitan |website=Believers Eastern Church |access-date=13 August 2024}}</ref> who replaced Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan<ref name="yohan">{{cite web |url=https://www.bec.org/athanasius-yohan/ |title=Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan Metropolitan |website=Believers Eastern Church}}</ref> (formerly known as [[K. P. Yohannan]]).

==History==
[[File:Consecration of Metropolitan Yoahn.jpg|thumb|Consecration of Metropolitan Yohan by Bishop K J Samuel. Mar Aprem Mooken and other bishops alongside]]
The Church was founded in 1993 as part of the GFA World (formerly [[Gospel for Asia]]) apostolate.<ref name="Bergunder2008">{{cite book |last=Bergunder |first=Michael |title=The South Indian Pentecostal Movement in the Twentieth Century |date=6 June 2008 |publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing |language=en |isbn=978-0-8028-2734-0 |page=54 |quote=In 1993, Gospel for Asia created its own church administrative structure, the Believers'Church, where newly founded congregations supported by Gospel for Asia were grouped together.}}</ref> On 6 February 2003, K. J. Samuel, the Moderator Bishop of the [[Church of South India]] (a part of the worldwide [[Anglican Communion]]), along with the P. M. Dhotekar, [[Anglican Bishop of Nagpur|Bishop of Nagpur]] of the [[Church of North India]], and Bancha Nidhi Nayak, Bishop of Phulbani of the Church of North India, consecrated K. P. Yohannan as a bishop in Anglican lines of [[apostolic succession]]. Bishop [[John Gladstone (bishop)|John Wilson Gladstone]], [[Aprem Mooken|Mar Aprem Mooken]], Metropolitan of the Assyrian Church of the East in India (Chaldean Syrian Church) were also present for the consecration ceremony. K. P. Yohannan thereafter became the first metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church, and acquired an [[episcopal polity]] of ecclesiastical governance.<ref name="Jacob2003">{{cite web |title=Crisis brewing in CSI |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/10/stories/2003021003650400.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141125190727/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/10/stories/2003021003650400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 November 2014 |last=Jacob |first=George |date=10 February 2003 |access-date=19 November 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Kottayam}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://anglican.ink/article/slander-suit-filed-believers-church-against-csi |title=Slander suit filed by Believers Church against the CSI |last=Conger |first=George |date=18 October 2017 |publisher=Anglican Ink |language=en |access-date=20 March 2018 |quote=On 6 Feb 2003 the Rt. Rev. K. J. Samuel, Bishop in East Kerala and former moderator of the Church of South India, assisted by the Rt. Rev. P.M. Dhotekar, Bishop in Nagpur of the Church of North India, and the Rt. Rev. Bancha Nidhi Nayak, Bishop in Phulbani of the Church of North India, consecrated Yohannan as metropolitan archbishop of the Believers Church. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319075454/http://anglican.ink/article/slander-suit-filed-believers-church-against-csi |archive-date=19 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He later changed his name to Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan Metropolitan in honor of his beloved patron saints, St. Athanasius, the defender of orthodoxy, and St. John (Yohan) the Apostle & Evangelist [https://www.bec.org/athanasius-yohan/]. BEC describes itself as being "Apostolic in origin, universal in nature, Biblical and evangelical in faith, ecumenical in outlook".<ref name="Yohannan2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.drkpyohannan.com/believers-church/ |title=Believers Church |last=Yohannan |first=K.P. |year=2018 |language=en |access-date=20 March 2018 |quote=Believers Church, a Christian denomination, is Apostolic in origin, universal in nature, Biblical and evangelical in faith, ecumenical in outlook, and has a constitutional episcopacy for governance. The Church adheres to the Nicene Creed, Biblical Faith, and traditions of the historical church backed up with its own Canonical Constitution.}}</ref> It adheres to the [[Nicene Creed]], biblical faith, and traditions of the historical church backed up with its own canonical constitution.<ref name="Yohannan2018" /> The Episcopal Synod and the diocesan councils take the responsibility for planning and executing the mission, religious life and charitable programs of the Church. The Believers Eastern Church is divided as regions into dioceses, each with its own [[bishop]]. Each local church has members ranging from less than one hundred to a thousand with an average of a hundred, and the number of parishes themselves are increasing.<ref name="Smith 2009">{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Warren Cole |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ekey6mPjIn8C&pg=PA194 |title=A Lover's Quarrel with the Evangelical Church |date=7 May 2009 |publisher=InterVarsity Press |isbn=978-0-8308-5698-5 |page=194 |access-date=19 November 2014}}</ref> The BEC is divided into various dioceses under the leadership of a diocesan bishop or a vicar-general.

In 2009, the church ordained seven bishops.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Seven-more-bishops-for-Believers-Church/article16823721.ece |title=Seven more bishops for Believers Church |date=11 December 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612214548/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Seven-more-bishops-for-Believers-Church/article16823721.ece |archive-date=2018-06-12}}</ref> On 2 March 2017, Metropolitan Yohan consecrated twelve bishops for the Believers Eastern Church.<ref name="TH2018">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/believers-church-gets-12-new-bishops/article17398353.ece |title=12 bishops of Believers Church consecrated |date=3 March 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320211214/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/believers-church-gets-12-new-bishops/article17398353.ece |archive-date=2017-03-20}}</ref>

==Emblem==
[[File:BEC Emblem.png|thumb|120x120px]]
The emblem of the Believers Eastern Church reflects its core beliefs, featuring a cross within a circle, surrounded by a dove, heart, book, and fish—symbols of faith. The cross, chosen by early Church fathers, represents Jesus Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection. It extends beyond the circle, signifying that Christ's redemptive work transcends time and is central to the faith. The circle represents eternity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Emblem |url=https://www.bec.org/church-emblem/ |website=www.bec.org |publisher=Believers Eastern Church |access-date=4 July 2025}}</ref>

==Faith and practice==
The [[liturgy]] used in the Believers Eastern Church "includes prayers, Scripture readings and a confession of the [[Nicene Creed|Nicene]] or [[Apostles' Creed]] of the Church".<ref name="BECFaithSeries">{{cite book |last1=Moran Mor Athanasius |first1=Yohan |title=Believers Eastern Church Faith and Tradition Series |date=2017 |publisher=Believers Eastern Church Synod Secretariat |location=Kerala, India |pages=61 |edition=1st |url=https://www.bec.org/history/ |access-date=31 May 2024}}</ref> The readings come from the [[Revised Common Lectionary]], which has a three-year cycle; it observes the [[liturgical year|liturgical calendar]] of [[Western Christianity]], thus keeping [[Lent]], for example.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kpyohannan.org/2018/02/14/gods-heart-aches-wants-share-us/ |title=God's Heart Aches and He Wants to Share That With Us |last=Yohannan |first=K.P. |date=14 February 2018 |language=en |access-date=20 March 2018 |quote=Today marks the first day of Lent. It is one of the oldest holy days on the Christian calendar. As Christians, we have many holidays that we celebrate throughout the year such as Christmas, Palm Sunday and Easter. Lent is a special time like those when we can stop and remember what our lives here on earth are about.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.believerschurch.com/lectionary-2013/ |title=Lectionary 2012-2013 |year=2011 |publisher=Believers Church |language=en |access-date=12 March 2015}}</ref> It administers the [[sacrament]]s of [[Baptism]] and [[Holy Communion]]. Women in [[church (building)|churches]] of this denomination wear [[Christian headcovering]]s, in accordance with Believers Eastern Church's interpretation of {{Bibleverse|1 Corinthians|11:2-16|KJV}}. Communicants of BEC use the [[sign of the cross]] in their prayers.<ref name="BECFaithSeries" />

==Beliefs==
[[File:Believers_Eastern_Church_local_congregation.png|thumb|A group photo of believers in front of their church building in Asia]]
The church accepts the [[Old Testament]] and [[New Testament]] of the [[Bible]] as the [[Biblical inspiration|inspired]] Word of God which is [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrant]] and the fundamental standard of faith,<ref name="guiding">K.P. Yohannan (2004). ''Guiding Principles of Believers Eastern Church''. Believers Eastern Church Publications. pp. 197-199.</ref> and complete and final written revelation of God. It also adheres to the [[Nicene Creed]]. The church believes in the following doctrines:<ref name="urlBC-Faith">{{cite web |url=http://www.believerschurch.com/about/statement-of-faith/ |title=Statement of Faith |publisher=Believers Church |access-date=2015-01-10}}</ref>
* One eternal God revealed in the [[trinity]]: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
* The divinity and humanity of [[Jesus Christ]], his virgin birth, sinless life, crucifixion and resurrection, ascension and intercession of the Holy Spirit.
* The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers in Jerusalem after Jesus' ascension, enabling them to preach the [[Good News (Christianity)|Gospel]] to the whole world.
* Separation of all mankind from God through man's sin.
* Immediate forgiveness of sins through repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ.
* The person and work of indwelling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit through baptism for all believers.
* The practice of [[Spiritual gift|gifts of the Holy Spirit]] within scriptural guidelines for the common good ({{bibleverse|1Cor|12:4-7|NRSV}}); Considers that [[agape]] love is more important than all the gifts, and without it, all exercise of spiritual gifts as worthless.
* Jesus Christ as the head of the church.
* The [[Second Coming|second coming]] of Jesus Christ and it will be personal and visible, which motivates active involvement of the laity in church activities.
* The resurrection of the body unto eternal life for the saved and unto eternal separation for the lost; But salvation, redemption and forgiveness are freely offered to all by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

==Core values==
For being distinguishable members of Believers Eastern Church, and the message of the Word of God to be applied in an individual's life leading to a greater maturity in Christ, following are the official code of living.<ref name="urlBC-Core Values">{{cite web |url=http://www.believerschurch.com/about/core-values/ |title=Core Values |publisher=Believers Church |access-date=2015-01-10}}</ref>
* Knowing the Lord Jesus more fully and intimately.
* Being a people of integrity and excellence.
* Living in submission to God's Word.
* Being a people of faith.
* Being a people committed to prayer and worship.
* Having a servant lifestyle.
* Being a people of grace and love.
* Serving sacrificially.
* Being a people with passion for souls.
* Being a people who work together with the Body of Christ.

==Religious orders==
The Sisters of Compassion is a [[religious order]] of [[nun]]s within the Believers Eastern Church that is dedicated to serving the "neglected of society".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegospeltruthnewspaper.com/2016/03/ |title=Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes meeting with church head as "wonderful" |date=18 March 2016 |publisher=The Gospel Truth Newspaper |language=en |access-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321064704/http://www.thegospeltruthnewspaper.com/2016/03/ |archive-date=2018-03-21}}</ref><ref name="TH2018" />

==Humanitarian services==
[[File:Bridge-Of-Hope.jpg|thumb|Child Sponsorship Program students on their way to class]]
Believers Eastern Church is involved in various social projects and has been lauded for its "humanitarian service towards the society at large".<ref name="literacy">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120419090414/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-25/patna/29581165_1_literacy-campaign-literacy-programme-chief-guest "Church devoted to literacy campaign"] ''Times of India'' (May 25, 2011)</ref> The church's social service includes [[Poverty reduction|poverty alleviation]],<ref>[https://archive.today/20130203115634/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120625/jsp/bihar/story_15653056.jsp "Bihar, News in Brief: Project"] ''The Telegraph'' (June 25, 2012)</ref> and promoting adult [[literacy]].<ref name="literacy" /> The church also provides shelter to [[street child]]ren through a home called Asha Grih, which is licensed by the [[Government of India|Indian Government]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Asha Grih |url=https://www.ashagrih.org/ |website=www.ashagrih.org |access-date=10 June 2025}}</ref><ref name="echo">[http://www.echoofarunachal.com/?p=23394 "Believers Eastern Church turns new page in lives of lesser privileged"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102162822/http://www.echoofarunachal.com/?p=23394 |date=2014-11-02 }} ''Echo of Arunachal'' (July 22, 2012)</ref> Additionally, BEC has a child sponsorship program which provides [[Holistic education|holistic development]] to needy children throughout [[South Asia]]. As of 2012, the program has helped some 60,000 underprivileged children by providing them free education, a nutritious diet and school supplies.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} The church sponsorship program has 525 project centers with 2,400 staff.<ref name="echo" /> Other major projects include the Believers Church Medical College Hospital,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bcmch.org/ |title=BCMCH |website=www.bcmch.org}}</ref> Believers Eastern Church Caarmel Engineering College<ref>{{cite web |title=Believers Eastern Church Caarmel Engineering College |url=http://bccaarmel.ac.in/ |website=Believers Eastern Church Caarmel Engineering College |access-date=28 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201000410/http://bccaarmel.ac.in/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Believers Church Theological Seminary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bcseminary.org/ |title=Believers Church Theological Seminary - |website=www.bcseminary.org}}</ref>

==Criticisms==
The operations of [[Gospel for Asia]] and BEC were scrutinized after Believers Eastern Church, under the guidance of Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan Metropolitan purchased a {{convert|2268|acre|km2|adj=on}} rubber estate in Kerala, India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cash scanner on evangelist |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080610/jsp/nation/story_9389712.jsp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130706014839/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080610/jsp/nation/story_9389712.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 6, 2013 |newspaper=The Telegraph}}</ref><ref name="cheruvally">{{cite web |title=Cheruvally Rubber Estate |url=http://www.believerschurch.com/cheruvally-estate/ |publisher=Believers Eastern Church |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808170719/http://www.believerschurch.com/cheruvally-estate/ |archive-date=8 August 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Opponents said the church had diverted foreign funds to amass land for itself and for uses other than declared purposes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Probe on into functioning of Gospel for Asia, HC told |url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article535507.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728054909/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article535507.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 July 2014 |publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
Further, it was alleged that the rubber estate, which Believers Eastern Church purchased from Harrison's Malayalam Ltd., was on leasehold from the government and not saleable.<ref>{{cite news |title=God's own country |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080713/jsp/7days/story_9543119.jsp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130830190808/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080713/jsp/7days/story_9543119.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 30, 2013 |newspaper=The Telegraph}}</ref>
Legal proceedings are still ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2016/nov/18/smooth-take-off-unlikely-for-proposed-erumeli-airport-1539786.html |title=Smooth take-off unlikely for proposed Erumeli airport |website=The New Indian Express |date=18 November 2016 |accessdate=22 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Yohannan-has-no-stake-in-Cheruvally-estate/articleshow/55842542.cms |title='Yohannan has no stake in Cheruvally estate' |newspaper=The Times of India |date=7 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/live-updates-breaking-pm-modi-to-address-the-nation-at-8-pm-2271409 |title=After PM Modi's announcement about Rs 500 and Rs 1000, reactions pour in |date=8 November 2016 |website=DNAIndia.com}}</ref>

There is also been an ongoing court case regarding the illegal filling in of wetlands in order to build the Believers Eastern Church Medical College Hospital.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Govt-overruled-objections-to-aid-illegal-filling-of-land/articleshow/49798205.cms |title=Govt overruled objections to aid illegal filling of land - Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=16 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719232715/http://www.patheos.com/blogs/warrenthrockmorton/2015/07/17/indian-tax-court-on-gospel-for-asia-and-believers-church-substantial-income-not-used-for-intended-purposes/ |archive-date=2015-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/warrenthrockmorton/2015/07/17/indian-tax-court-on-gospel-for-asia-and-believers-church-substantial-income-not-used-for-intended-purposes/ |title=Indian Tax Court on Gospel for Asia and Believers' Church: "Substantial Income" Not Used for Intended Purposes |access-date=2018-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522013629/http://www.patheos.com/blogs/warrenthrockmorton/2015/07/17/indian-tax-court-on-gospel-for-asia-and-believers-church-substantial-income-not-used-for-intended-purposes/ |archive-date=2018-05-22 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan Metropolitan said that the claims were politically motivated and that the workings of Gospel for Asia and Believers Eastern Church are transparent.<ref>{{cite news |title=GFA says allegations politically motivated |url=http://www.christiantoday.co.in/articles/gfa-says-allegations-politically-%20motivated/2715.htm |publisher= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729010838/http://www.christiantoday.co.in/articles/gfa-says-allegations-politically-%20motivated/2715.htm |archive-date=2014-07-29|last=Varghese|first=Rinu|date=11 June 2008|work=Christianity Today India}}</ref> Further, the rubber estate is an investment to help fund social service activities among underdeveloped communities<ref name="cheruvally" /> and not a personal land grab as opponents have stated.

In 2017, the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] had suspended the [[Foreign Contribution Regulation Act]] (FCRA) licenses of the church and three NGOs associated with Believers Eastern Church from receiving foreign funds.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/believers-church-dismisses-media-reports/article33061316.ece |title=Believers Church dismisses media reports - The Hindu |newspaper=The Hindu |date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109181617/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/believers-church-dismisses-media-reports/article33061316.ece |archive-date=2020-11-09}}</ref>
It is mandatory to have FCRA clearance from the Home Ministry for any organization to receive foreign funds. The trust enjoyed exemption under the [[Income Tax Act, 1961|I-T Act, 1961]] as charitable/religious trust, receiving donations from foreign countries ostensibly for helping the poor and destitute and evangelical purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/nov/08/believers-church-used-paper-firms-to-route-unaccounted-money-2220992.html |title='Believers Church used paper firms to route unaccounted money'|date=8 November 2020 |publisher= The New Indian Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108011915/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/nov/08/believers-church-used-paper-firms-to-route-unaccounted-money-2220992.html |archive-date=2020-11-08}}</ref>
The government has reconsidered the decision to allow prior permission to two NGOs after detailed verification.

In 2020, the [[Income Tax Department|Income Tax officials]] conducted searches at around 60 premises associated with the Believers Church.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/keralas-believers-church-under-scanner-for-huge-foreign-fund-flow-914020.html |title=Kerala's Believers Church under scanner for huge foreign fund flow |publisher= Deccan Herald| date = 10 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110170148/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/keralas-believers-church-under-scanner-for-huge-foreign-fund-flow-914020.html |archive-date=2020-11-10}}</ref>
The I-T officials seized Rs 14.5 cr from the raid at the offices of Believers church. Out of the total amount, Rs 7 cr was recovered from the boot of a car owned by an employee of the hospital under Believers church. Rest of the amount was seized from various places including [[Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/dramatic-events-during-i-t-raid-at-believers-church-priest-tries-to-destroy-iphone-kerala-1.5195047 |title=Dramatic events during I-T raid at Believers Church; priest tries to destroy iPhone |date=9 November 2020 |publisher= Mathrubhumi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109053321/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/dramatic-events-during-i-t-raid-at-believers-church-priest-tries-to-destroy-iphone-kerala-1.5195047 |archive-date=2020-11-09}}</ref>
I-T officials revealed that they are looking into transactions over the last ten years. The church had got around Rs 4,000 crore over the years and a chunk of it had gone into the construction of institutions and real estate dealings.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/it-sleuths-reveal-believers-church-used-paper-firms-to-route-unaccounted-money/679311 |title=IT sleuths reveal Believers Church used paper firms to route unaccounted money |date=9 November 2020 |publisher= Times Now News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109161256/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/it-sleuths-reveal-believers-church-used-paper-firms-to-route-unaccounted-money/679311 |archive-date=2020-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/nov/12/ed-probe-likely-into-money-seizure-from-believers-church-2222584.html |title=ED probe likely into money seizure from Believers Church |date=12 November 2020 |publisher=The New Indian Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112041330/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/nov/12/ed-probe-likely-into-money-seizure-from-believers-church-2222584.html |archive-date=2020-11-12}}</ref>

==Ecumenical relations==
Believers Eastern Church is a member of [[National Council of Churches in India|The National Council of Churches in India]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Member Churches – NCCI |date=2 August 2016 |url=https://ncci1914.com/member-churches/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> and the [[Kerala Council of Churches]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Member Churches |url=https://www.keralacouncilofchurches.org/members.html |website=www.keralacouncilofchurches.org |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> It has also held ecumenical contacts with the [[Anglican Church in North America]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Provincial Council 2016: Live Blog |url=http://www.anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/1254 |website=Anglican Church in North America |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625111455/http://www.anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/1254 |archive-date=June 25, 2016}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Christianity}}
* [[History of Pentecostalism in India]]
* [[Believers Church Airport]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.believerschurch.com/ Website of Believers Eastern Church (old website)]
* [https://www.bec.org/ Website of Believers Eastern Church (new website)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwb43ChDfyU Reporter Channel News: Merging of two Christian movements]

{{Churches in India|state=collapsed}}
{{Eastern Protestants}}

[[Category:1993 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Evangelical denominations in Asia]]
[[Category:Pentecostal denominations in Asia]]
[[Category:Pentecostalism in India]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1993]]
[[Category:Saint Thomas Christians]]

Believers Eastern Church - Revision history

LeoSpragg093 at 05:32, 25 March 2026