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.