Christians in India never have had an easy time. They represent only 3% of the population and much of the numbers come from the Dalits, the untouchables of Indian society.
Dalit Christians are often targeted for violence and Christian Churches find themselves the targets of terrorist attacks because they teach Dalit Liberation Theology, a Gospel-centered theology that argues that Jesus is the central figure in a movement of social liberation. “I have come to set the captives free,” says Jesus. That's uncomfortable news to corporations doing business in India (many run in the US) and by governments who benefit from the caste system.
This week The Rev. Raj Bharath Patta of the National Council of Churches in India, a friend and colleague of mine, wrote and told me about some of his experiences over the last few weeks:
This New Year for me started with a pastoral visit to the Christians in Orissa, who were attacked by the Hindutva people during Christmas time. Me and my colleague from NCCI, two CNI Bishops and one Lay leader went and visited the people in Orissa. It was such a challenging time in my life to visit them in such a tense situation. Nearly 50 churches were attacked, and about 400 houses were burnt. Most of the victims are Dalit Christians. The attacks on Christians are so inhuman and several churches and houses were burnt, and the people had to flee into jungles to save their lives. Few of them are returning back now, and find their dear ones missing. The Dalit Christians are living in such a trauma and fear. I think we need to earnestly pray for peace and harmony in that area. Even till today govt is not allowing any relief to be done by the church. The relief given by the government is not sufficient and are unable to cater to the needs of the people over there. When the whole world were singing silent night on that Christmas day, Christians in Khandamal district of Orissa had to witness a violent sight. Herewith I am sending u a picture of a church attacked. We need your prayers and support at a moment like this.
The only threat posed by Dalit Christians is to the powerful and privileged who make their profits off a slave labor class. The teachings of Jesus is this regard are revolutionary and clearly there is an on-going effort to silence Christian voices demanding justice.
Please lift this issue up in your Churches with prayers. Look for ways to get involved here in the United States. And keep track of the work being done by The Rev. Raj Bharath Patta of the National Council of Churches in India. Keep Rev. Raj, his family, and NCC India in your prayers as well.
