Christian leaders participate in rally to end Dalit oppression

Leaders of various Christian denominations held a rally on Nov. 29 in the capital to renew the demand for statutory benefits for Dalit Christians.

More than 30 bishops joined the 300 others from across India including priests, nuns and church activists participating in the sit–in near the Indian parliament.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), a union of Protestant and Orthodox Churches, jointly organized the program.

"We want the government to end this discrimination," demanded Church of South India Bishop Jeypaul David, president of the National Council of Churches in India, addressing the sit–in on November 29.

The ongoing discrimination, is "a violation of fundamental rights and human dignity," said David.

Philip Jhadav, coordinator of the national affairs desk of the NCCI, told Ecumenical News International, "I think it is the first time in Indian history that we had so many bishops together participating in a protest demonstration."

Dalit is a term given to people belonging to the bottom level of the caste system which prevailed in India, once called "untouchable."

“Dalits who converted to Sikhism and Buddhism have been given these rights, but those to Islam and Christianity continue to be punished by being deprived of affirmative action,” said Dr. Dayal, president of All India Christian Council.

“Article 341 Para 3, which was amended in 1956 and 1990 to benefit Sikhs and Buddhists, must now be changed to also include others. Indian secularism will be strengthened by not bringing in religion in matters of affirmative action,” he added.

At least 60 percent of India's 25 million Christians are from low–caste backgrounds.