Separate churches, separate cemeteries: NGO report revives debate over caste discrimination within Tamil Nadu church
The report was released after an alleged dispute over the burial of Raju (89), a Dalit Christian from Kottappalayam village in Tiruchy"s Thuraiyur region.
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Fresh allegations of caste-based discrimination within sections of the Church in Tamil Nadu have once again brought the issue of segregation among Christians into the spotlight. A fact-finding report released by Dalit rights NGO Evidence has alleged that separate churches, segregated cemeteries and unequal funeral practices continue to exist for Dalit Christians in parts of the state.
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NGO seeks action against caste discrimination
Evidence Executive Director A. Kathir urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to ensure an end to caste-based discrimination in churches, cemeteries and other Christian places of worship. The organisation also appealed to the Catholic Church leadership to implement a uniform policy of common churches, common burial grounds and equal worship practices irrespective of caste.
Allegations of separate churches and burial grounds
The NGO alleged that the cemetery used by Dalit Christians is only about 10 cents in size and has been in use for more than a century despite severe space constraints. In contrast, the common Christian cemetery reportedly spans around three acres and is better maintained.
Funeral prayers also held separately
Evidence further alleged that although a peace meeting chaired by Musiri RDO Sushree Suvangi Khuntia on July 19 allowed Raju's burial in the common cemetery, officials decided that funeral prayers would be conducted only at St. Sebastian's Church in the Dalit Christian locality instead of the village's St. Mary Magdalene Shrine.
Debate over caste discrimination within the Church resurfaces
The latest controversy has once again revived debate over caste discrimination within sections of the Indian Church.
For decades, Christian missionary organisations have often projected conversion as a means of escaping caste-based discrimination and promoting equality before God. At the same time, Dalit Christian groups, researchers and church reform advocates have repeatedly documented allegations of separate churches, segregated cemeteries, unequal access to church administration and caste-based discrimination in several parts of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
The latest findings by Evidence add to that continuing debate, with the NGO urging both the state government and Church authorities to ensure equal treatment for all Christians regardless of caste.
The report was released after an alleged dispute over the burial of Raju (89), a Dalit Christian from Kottappalayam village in Tiruchy's Thuraiyur region. According to the NGO, Raju's family was initially denied permission to bury him in the village's common Christian cemetery, prompting intervention by local authorities.
NGO seeks action against caste discrimination
Evidence Executive Director A. Kathir urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to ensure an end to caste-based discrimination in churches, cemeteries and other Christian places of worship. The organisation also appealed to the Catholic Church leadership to implement a uniform policy of common churches, common burial grounds and equal worship practices irrespective of caste.
Allegations of separate churches and burial grounds
According to the report, Kottappalayam continues to maintain separate places of worship and burial grounds for caste Christians and Dalit Christians.
The NGO alleged that the cemetery used by Dalit Christians is only about 10 cents in size and has been in use for more than a century despite severe space constraints. In contrast, the common Christian cemetery reportedly spans around three acres and is better maintained.
Funeral prayers also held separately
Evidence further alleged that although a peace meeting chaired by Musiri RDO Sushree Suvangi Khuntia on July 19 allowed Raju's burial in the common cemetery, officials decided that funeral prayers would be conducted only at St. Sebastian's Church in the Dalit Christian locality instead of the village's St. Mary Magdalene Shrine.
The NGO described this arrangement as another instance of caste-based segregation within church practices.
Debate over caste discrimination within the Church resurfaces
The latest controversy has once again revived debate over caste discrimination within sections of the Indian Church.
For decades, Christian missionary organisations have often projected conversion as a means of escaping caste-based discrimination and promoting equality before God. At the same time, Dalit Christian groups, researchers and church reform advocates have repeatedly documented allegations of separate churches, segregated cemeteries, unequal access to church administration and caste-based discrimination in several parts of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
The latest findings by Evidence add to that continuing debate, with the NGO urging both the state government and Church authorities to ensure equal treatment for all Christians regardless of caste.