Dalit Christians 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

India’s Christians mark 70th anniversary of decree denying them rights

Aug 12, 2020

Indian Christians marked the annual Black Day on August 10, marking the 70th anniversary of a government decision to deny Christians and Muslims access to benefits offered to other citizens of the same caste background.

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

Archdiocese in India marks 100th anniversary of serving poor and marginalized

Nov 30, 2019

Archbishop William D’Souza says Pope Francis’s “Church of the poor and for the poor is one hundred percent exemplified in the Archdiocese of Patna,” as it marks its 100th anniversary.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Christian leaders in India praise release of five men after years in jail on false charges

Nov 29, 2019

Five Christians in jail in India for the past 11 years after being accused of murdering a Hindu holy man have been released on bail, years after two police officers admitted the men were falsely accused. Two other Christians accused of the crime were released earlier this year.

By Nirmala Carvalho

Jesuit says for Church in India to mission to Dalits, it must respect them

Oct 30, 2019

About one fifth of the entire population are members of “scheduled castes” – known as Dalits, and formally known as the “untouchables” – and one priest says that despite laws meant to help them, they still face a “permanent stigma.”

By Nirmala Carvalho

Indian bishop says Church needs ‘to clean our own house’ on Dalit rights

Sep 13, 2019

Despite guidelines supporting Dalit Christians – from the class formerly known as “Untouchable” – not every Church leader is working in their defense, according to one Indian bishop.

By Inés San Martín