A Democratic congressman’s attempt to form a Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh American congressional caucus has left some members of the religious groups concerned about its true purpose.

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, of Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, formally launched the caucus last month with what he said was bipartisan support from 27 lawmakers of the four faiths,  sometimes called the Dharmic religions.

There are three known Hindus among the five Indian American members of Congress, including Thanedar. None would confirm that they were among the 27 Thanedar said belonged to the caucus. There are two current members of Congress who are Buddhist, but none are Sikhs or Jains.

The caucus “is a statement of commitment to stand against religious discrimination, to propel the wheels of inclusion, and to cultivate a nation where diversity is not only tolerated, but celebrated,” Thanedar said in an address Sept. 30.

Leaders of several South Asian American advocacy groups were surprised by Thanedar’s announcement. On Oct. 3, Hindu, Sikh and Muslim Americans put out a press release complaining that Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh organizations were not consulted about the caucus. Without input from the broader community, they said, the caucus may be less responsive to all its constituents’ concerns.

This story was originally published in religionnews.com. Read the full story here .