Believers attacked in Tamil Nadu for promoting inter–caste harmony

A group of Christians were assaulted and beaten up for promoting inter–caste harmony in a village in Tamil Nadu, a state where caste divisions are very rigid.

Pastor Chinnaswamy, who has been working in the Hosur–Krishnagiri area for the past twenty years, proceeded with a small team of believers to Jakkeri village, February 28, carrying a drum and a large vessel containing drinking water.

However, as soon as they began singing, a large group of villagers rushed to them and, issuing threats, smashed the drum and shattered the shed the drinking water vessel with huge wooden clubs.

According to the pastor, the villagers are opposed to the Christians, who are from various communities, both Scheduled Castes and Backward Castes, drinking from the same vessel.

The pastor and his congregation have decided to fast, March 28, and hold a prayer meeting for the people who opposed them in Jakkeri village.

"Please pray for the ministry and especially that the hold of casteism in the society will be loosened by the love of Christ," Sajan George, president, Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), said.