Book on Dalit Christians struggle for justice released
Villupuram (Story: Matters India): A new book published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) highlights the Dalit Christians march toward equality and justice.
Bishop A. Neethinathan of Chingelpet, chairperson of CBCI Office for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, released the book, “Dalit Christian March towards Equality and Justice- A Socio-Ecclesial Engagement,” at Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, on May 27.
The book contains papers, resolutions and program of action presented at the national seminar on “Dalit Christian March Towards Equality and Justice A Socio-Ecclesial Engagement” held January 27-29 at the National Biblical Catechetical Liturgical Centre, Bangalore.
Bishop Neethinathan stressed the need for everyone to stand united to eradicate untouchability within the Church and society and build up equality and justice in the Church.
“We should become more vigilant in our responsibility to protect and to promote our brothers and sisters of the Dalit, Backward and Tribal communities who have embraced the Catholic faith,” the prelate said.
Fr. Devasagayaraj, secretary to the CBCI Office for Dalits and Backward classes, said the book stresses activities to be implemented at national, regional and diocesan levels. The book makes a special appeal to religious congregations to join the process to empower Dalit Christians.
The priest, who organized the program, also authored and released another book titled Muthan that speaks about the untouchable practices within the Catholic Church.
As many as 135 delegates from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu-Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana had attended the January national seminar.
