New York: June 27, 2008. The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) held its Eighth Annual General Body Meeting in New York on June 21st 2008. 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 Sixth Annual General Body Meeting of the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) held in NY the outgoing President, Abraham Mammen expressed concerns over the worsening religious freedom issues in India . He further referred to the recently updated HSC report and said that the Hindutva groups in the US are actively exploiting the US college camps with their campaign of hate. '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 was nominated unanimously 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, one of its founding members and current outgoing president Mr. Abraham Mammen agreed to offer his tireless service to the organization as the National Vice President. Mr. Titus Mathew of Dallas, Texas was elected as the next General Secretary, to be assisted by Mr. Mike Masand as Joint Secretary. Mr. Rajseelan Sampson of Washington was elected Treasurer, to be assisted by 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, were elected to be the Members at Large of the Executive Board. Mr. Varghese Chacko was elected the Chairman of Finance Committee. Dr. Sajan George of Bangalore and Dr. Samuel Mathai of Bhopal, Dr. Jaychand Palakonda were nominated to the Advisory Board that includes past presidents of the organization and senior leaders, to guide the long term policy making. Dr. Victor Joseph of Pennsylvania was elected the chairman of the 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 Prabhudoss presented the Secretary' report via web conference as he was on an important trip to Spain. The General Body expressed its deep appreciation gave a standing ovation to Mr. Abraham Mammen the outgoing President for dedicated leadership. The General Body also gratefully acknowledged the sacrifice made by Mr. George Abraham for his hands on involvement in places like Gujarat and recently with the plight of the Christians in Orissa. Mr. Titus Mathew expressed a deep note of thanks to the outgoing team on behalf of the General Body. Mr. George Abraham urged everyone to play more positive role in building alliances with other likeminded organizations in the US. Rev. Wilson Jose presented a check on behalf of one of the member organization ("IPA" ) of FIACONA for an amount of $5000.00. This amount was specially for the rehabilitation of the victims of Orissa . Dr. Sajan George presented gave an overview of Orissa situation. Dr. Samuel Mathew appealed to FIACONA for continued moral support for the churches in India. FIACONA noted that, though the media and civil society institutions in India had in the past played an important role in highlighting the assaults on Christian institutions, lately there have been reports of pressure from the right-wing elements, on publishers, journalists and officials who have a secular outlook. FIACONA expressed concerns that, 'as a result, the reporting of violence and assaults against Christians in India is being underplayed and often unreported'. FIACONA noted that this trend is a serious threat to the future of 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 as the media is reporting less and less of such assaults. The new team was sworn in by Mr. Susai Anthony the chairman of Nomination Committee. FIACONA is the umbrella group for Indian Christian Organizations in North America.