caste Archives

Dalit priests protest caste-discrimination in Indian archdiocese

Dec 13, 2020

Archbishop Antony Anandarayar of Pondicherry and Cuddalore says he will do what is needed to eradicate all forms of caste-based discrimination in the archdiocese.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Indian priests accused of attacking bishop reinstated; court case still ongoing

Sep 16, 2020

A bishop in India has caused controversy by re-instating three priests accused of attacking their bishop, despite the fact their cases are still ongoing in the criminal courts.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Noting anti-racism protests in U.S., Indian cardinal calls for equal rights for Dalits

Jul 28, 2020

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), evoked the Black Lives Movement, he has called for equal rights for India’s marginalized Dalit community.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Vatican drops ‘caste name’ of Blessed Devasahayam when announcing miracle

Feb 25, 2020

A Vatican decree this weekend announced a miracle had been approved for Blessed Devasahayam, clearing the way for his canonization. However, when Devasahayam was declared a Blessed in 2012, the name used was Devasahayam Pillai.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Indian man’s ‘honor killing’ by wife’s family highlights caste divisions in Church

Nov 10, 2018

A Christian man’s murder in India is being treated as an ‘honor killing’ — highlighting the shadow the country’s historic caste system has even within the Church.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Church leaders to mark anniversary of anti-Christian attacks in India

Nov 6, 2018

Christian leaders in India are calling on the faithful “to stand with the vulnerable Dalits in the society” on Dalit Liberation Sunday, scheduled to take place on Nov. 11.

By Nirmala Carvalho

So-called honor killing in Catholic family shocks Indian state

May 31, 2018

The murder of a socially poor Dalit Catholic man who had married a woman belonging to an upper-caste Syrian Christian family has fueled protests across India’s southern state of Kerala.

By Catholic News Service

Christians in India call for justice for former ‘untouchables’ this Sunday

Nov 11, 2017

The Catholic bishops in India joined with the country’s National Council of Churches to institute Dalit Liberation Sunday every second Sunday of November. The former “untouchables” have suffered discrimination for centuries, but those who are Christians suffer additional marginalization, as well as losing eligibility for government assistance programs available to other Dalits.

By Nirmala Carvalho