by Nirmala Carvalho

The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), an umbrella organisations for Christians denominations in the two states, has been renamed the Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC). The new name, which reflects the fact that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana share the same language, is meant to prevent further divisions.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - In order to hold together the Christian communities of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC) has decided to rename itself the Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC).

After the new state was created, the name change is meant to prevent divisions in the population, Christian religious leaders said.

The decision was taken on 28 August at the last general meeting of the federation at the St John regional seminar in Hyderabad.

On 2 June, India's newest state, Telangana, was established by detaching parts of Andhra Pradesh. Back in February, the Indian parliament had adopted the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act for that purpose.

The Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC) replaces the Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches, defining itself now in relation to Telugu, the language shared by both states.

In each state, the FTC will be represented by separate units to handle relations with local governments.

• india
• andhra
• pradesh
• telangana
• christian
• churches
• federation
• telugu