Indian churches challenged to address caste discrimination

(May 05, 2011) Churches in India were called upon to tackle "institutional casteism" at a conference organized by the World Council of Churches, WCC in collaboration with Indian churches and groups. Attended by over 70 delegates, the May 1-4 conference in Kochi, Kerala State on "Caste, Religion and Culture" was organized by the WCC Commission for World Mission and Evangelism in collaboration with the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). The Student Christian Movement of India and the Centre for Social Studies and Culture based in Kerala state also participated. A statement released at the end of the conference said "Institutional casteism has not been properly discussed in India and the colloquium has drawn attention to the need for addressing the issue at all levels." Under the rigid social hierarchy of the caste system in India, dalits -- literally meaning "trampled upon" in Sanskrit -- lie at the bottom of society. Formerly referred to as "untouchables," dalits often survive by scavenging and doing other menial jobs. Though dalits account for nearly two thirds of the 28 million Christians in India, they face discrimination even in the churches and Christian institutions, as upper castes hold most positions of power.