On August 10th this year, as in previous years, Christians across the country observe the National Day of Prayer and Protest. On this day Christians seek to highlight and protest the denial of the fundamental constitutional rights to a section of them because they decided to embrace Christianity as a religion of their choice.
When India became a Republic, we resolved as a nation to secure Justice, Equality, Liberty and Dignity for all our citizens. Members of castes worst affected from centuries of social oppression, the Scheduled Castes (SCs), were constitutionally assured special protection and affirmative benefits. These measures are necessary to help them overcome the effect of centuries of discrimination and oppression. Unfortunately these fundamental rights have been denied to the Dalit communities converted to Christianity and Islam through the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950, even though this privilege was extended in 1956 to Sikhs and in 1990 to Buddhists of dalit origin. Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims continue to be kept outside this privilege.
Approximately 70% of the Christian population in India are from Scheduled Castes background. Dalit Christians have a unique history of faith experiences because of their caste identity. They embraced Christianity as a faith affirmation against caste slavery and these experiences vary according to regional contexts. It is not only common knowledge but also borne out of numerous extensive research studies that the Dalits are unfortunately still identified first by their caste by a large section of the Indian society. All their other identities, arising from their religious, regional, linguistic and other affiliations are secondary identities that do nothing to displace the severity of the caste-based discrimination and violence that they suffer.
Followed by the decades long mass struggles and advocacy initiatives, finally a Writ Petition (180/2004) was filed in the Supreme Court of India by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation challenging the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The Writ Petition is also looking for justice from the apex court to allow and extend the Scheduled Caste status to Christians of Scheduled Caste origin for availing special privilege in education, getting scholarships, employment opportunity, welfare measures, affirmative actions, right to contest in the reserved constituencies from panchayat, legislative assemblies up to the Parliament and for availing the legal remedy/protection under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes (Prevention) of Atrocities Act, 1989 amended in the year 2018.
On January 7th 2020, The Supreme Court agreed to examine the plea filed by Adv. Franklin Caesar Thomas that Dalit Christians or Christians of Scheduled Castes origin should enjoy the same quota benefits reserved for Scheduled Castes. The Civil Writ petition is pending before the Hon’ble Court for further hearing. The Supreme Court has a monumental opportunity now to render justice to millions of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims who continue to suffer from social stigma and the horrors of untouchability.
In October 2022, the Central Government appointed the Justice K.G. Balakrishnan Commission to examine the Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and Muslims, with a mandate to report back in two years. On May 30th and 31st, 2023, the Church of South India conducted a public hearing in Chennai, titled “A Cry for Justice.” This event focused on Christians of Scheduled Caste origin and documented the discrimination they faced within churches and society throughout Southern India. The NCDC, in collaboration with the NCCI and CBCI, organised conclaves across India on the topic of extending Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims The findings are to be filed before the Justice Balakrishnan Commission.
Meanwhile in the Supreme Court all petitioners were instructed to combine their filings, with Advocate Gauthaman appointed to oversee the process. Despite these actions, the case was listed but has not yet been heard and remains pending. The 74 years of struggle for justice should be supported by the people who believe in equality and democracy. We await Justice with earnest faith in God.
A Prayer and Protest session is organised in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 10th August 2024 from 10 AM to 1PM along with the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC). Elsewhere in the Country, Christians and Churches will join together locally for sessions of prayer and protest on the same day.
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
August 2024
Ecumenical news
The journey of a thousand words begins with one sign
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI /by CommunicationsLaunch of NCCI Indian Sign Language Course 3.0
Young students from diffent churches such as the Salvation Army, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Church of South India, Baptist Church of Nagaland and Andhra Evengelical Lutheran Church, hailing from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana joined online Indian Sign Language course 3.0 of The National Council of Churches in India – Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (NCCI-IDEA). The virtual inauguration ceremony was held on 17 August, 2024.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Pastor Praveen from the Deaf Fellowship Vijayawada, who inaugurated ISL 3.0, and the General Secretary of NCCI, Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, who motivated the new batch to be change-makers in the church and society. He also emphasized NCCI’s contributions in advocating with the government, media, and constituent members to introduce sign language as a part of their public events and programs.
Ms. Y. Madhurya, a dedicated ISL teacher, continues to be the strong pillar for the third batch. ISL 3.0 marks the beginning of a journey in sign language for the new batch, bringing hope for more friends and colleagues who can communicate with people who use sign language as their first language.
Reported by Nelson Nag,
Program Executive, IDEA
NCCI lends voice to today’s Doctors’ protest and those protesting all over the country
/0 Comments/in Statements /by CommunicationsAs the medical communities rise up together, and the entire country with them, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) lends it’s voice to those that condemn the ‘rape and murder’ incident of the young PG Trainee in the R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, on 9th of August 2024. The Government must bring the real culprits to book without any further delay, and take action on all those who have acted irresponsibly and without basic sensitivities.
Through periodic advisories the NCCI has been requesting the leadership of the Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India to maintain Zero- Tolerance to Gender Based Violence in its faith affirmations and articulations. The Churches in the membership of the NCCI and their units have been advised to be compliant to the provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, including formation of Internal Committees where statutorily mandated and conducting periodic orientation to staff as mandated under the Act.
Through the Thursdays in Black Campaign and the 16 Days of Activism (Nov 25 to Dec 10 every year) the NCCI community have been continuously challenged to address all forms of violence against women, and to work to address every form of such violence. The Churches have been in many ways addressing every form of toxic-masculinity and inviting young and old toward building up a society whose boys and gentlemen are shaped on premises of redemptive and transformative masculinities.
We offer sincere prayers that the soul of the departed be reposed in God, and everlasting Peace be upon the parents, siblings and all the members of the family.
We commit again to serious interventions in our Churches and Institutions all over the country to nurture and promote responsible and respectful behaviour between peoples of all Gender Identities, and to the safety of women and those others with gender vulnerabilities.
While it is a time to hang our head in shame, we also commit to tirelessly endeavour and leave no stone unturned in order that the women and girls in this country will be able to walk with their head held high anytime of day or night, wherever they like to go, and however they want.
In solidarity and with blessings of abiding Peace that comes from Jesus who was also unjustly killed, yet lives in all who dare death in its face. Let that power give us victory and guidance in this situation and always.
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI.
Independence Day 2024: Building from the bottom, one brick at a time…
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI /by CommunicationsOn the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Independence Day (78th Independence Day) of the Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic of India, on Thursday the 15th of August 2024, we recognise with pride the enduring Sovereignty of the citizen.
Mandating a government which exists and functions as coalition governing partners, and identifying the need for an opposition in the democratic polity, the mind of the People of India is all but evident. What follows is the will of the government in power to heed this voice, and the role of the opposition to amplify the voice for the government to deliver and deliver efficiently.
Gram swaraj, captured in more than one ways in the panchayati raj system of participatory democratic governance, is one way in which we can continue to build on the gains of Mandate 2024. Through being thoroughly engaged in the panchayati raj form of local governance and its equivalence in the tribal and adivasi areas of the 5th and 6th Schedule States, the Indian citizen is capable of setting the country on the path of the ‘haven’ into which we would like to see our country awake.
Encouraging the citizen to participate in the process of local governance constructively and with a critical conscience, and acknowledging the role of the panchayats at the village to be involved in vision-casting for the country, are ways in which we can continue to grow as a people of this country – ‘leaving no one behind’.
While celebrating the hard-earned independence we as citizens of this great heritage that is India, together as those belonging to different faiths and ideologies, commit ourselves to work on the freedom of those who are enslaved through systems of religiosity, patriarchy, economic injustice, caste stratification, and such other enslavements relating to economic injustice and ethnic marginalisations.
We recognise a calling to hold each other accountable for what ails the ‘peoples’ of this country and an urgent call to address them together. We pray for a blessing of peace on our county and the entire neighbourhood and the world. We call on all Christians in the country to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow citizens in our common pursuit of Life-flourishing for ALL. Let us continue to build from the bottom, one brick at a time.
Jai Hind !
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCC India
Prayer and Protest on 10th of August 2024 in different parts of India against 1950 Presidential Order
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI /by CommunicationsNational Council of Churches in India (NCCI) – Commission on Dalit Concerns, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI) and National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC) jointly appealed to the Churches and Organisations to organise and proactively participate in observing ‘National Protest Day’ on 10th August 2024 to raise our protest regarding the continual negligence of the government to the cry for the rights of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in the country to make the Presidential (Scheduled Caste) Order 1950 ‘religion-neutral’.
In response to this call, many NCCI Member Churches, Regional Councils of Churches and Organization/forums organized a prayer and protest on 10th of August 2024 in different part of India. A memorandum was submitted to the President of India and the Prime Minister of India on behalf of the NCDC, endorsed by the NCCI and the CBCI.
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‘Dalit Christians’: 74 years of structural discrimination based on Religion
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI, Statements /by CommunicationsOn August 10th this year, as in previous years, Christians across the country observe the National Day of Prayer and Protest. On this day Christians seek to highlight and protest the denial of the fundamental constitutional rights to a section of them because they decided to embrace Christianity as a religion of their choice.
When India became a Republic, we resolved as a nation to secure Justice, Equality, Liberty and Dignity for all our citizens. Members of castes worst affected from centuries of social oppression, the Scheduled Castes (SCs), were constitutionally assured special protection and affirmative benefits. These measures are necessary to help them overcome the effect of centuries of discrimination and oppression. Unfortunately these fundamental rights have been denied to the Dalit communities converted to Christianity and Islam through the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950, even though this privilege was extended in 1956 to Sikhs and in 1990 to Buddhists of dalit origin. Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims continue to be kept outside this privilege.
Approximately 70% of the Christian population in India are from Scheduled Castes background. Dalit Christians have a unique history of faith experiences because of their caste identity. They embraced Christianity as a faith affirmation against caste slavery and these experiences vary according to regional contexts. It is not only common knowledge but also borne out of numerous extensive research studies that the Dalits are unfortunately still identified first by their caste by a large section of the Indian society. All their other identities, arising from their religious, regional, linguistic and other affiliations are secondary identities that do nothing to displace the severity of the caste-based discrimination and violence that they suffer.
Followed by the decades long mass struggles and advocacy initiatives, finally a Writ Petition (180/2004) was filed in the Supreme Court of India by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation challenging the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The Writ Petition is also looking for justice from the apex court to allow and extend the Scheduled Caste status to Christians of Scheduled Caste origin for availing special privilege in education, getting scholarships, employment opportunity, welfare measures, affirmative actions, right to contest in the reserved constituencies from panchayat, legislative assemblies up to the Parliament and for availing the legal remedy/protection under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes (Prevention) of Atrocities Act, 1989 amended in the year 2018.
On January 7th 2020, The Supreme Court agreed to examine the plea filed by Adv. Franklin Caesar Thomas that Dalit Christians or Christians of Scheduled Castes origin should enjoy the same quota benefits reserved for Scheduled Castes. The Civil Writ petition is pending before the Hon’ble Court for further hearing. The Supreme Court has a monumental opportunity now to render justice to millions of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims who continue to suffer from social stigma and the horrors of untouchability.
In October 2022, the Central Government appointed the Justice K.G. Balakrishnan Commission to examine the Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and Muslims, with a mandate to report back in two years. On May 30th and 31st, 2023, the Church of South India conducted a public hearing in Chennai, titled “A Cry for Justice.” This event focused on Christians of Scheduled Caste origin and documented the discrimination they faced within churches and society throughout Southern India. The NCDC, in collaboration with the NCCI and CBCI, organised conclaves across India on the topic of extending Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims The findings are to be filed before the Justice Balakrishnan Commission.
Meanwhile in the Supreme Court all petitioners were instructed to combine their filings, with Advocate Gauthaman appointed to oversee the process. Despite these actions, the case was listed but has not yet been heard and remains pending. The 74 years of struggle for justice should be supported by the people who believe in equality and democracy. We await Justice with earnest faith in God.
A Prayer and Protest session is organised in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 10th August 2024 from 10 AM to 1PM along with the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC). Elsewhere in the Country, Christians and Churches will join together locally for sessions of prayer and protest on the same day.
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
August 2024
NCCI School of Ecumenism begins on a high note…
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI /by CommunicationsNCCI Commission on Youth Concerns celebrates the legacy of Bishop V S Azariah on his 150 birth year. Six days’ School of Ecumenism started at Nagpur today with the very innovative inaugural service. Twenty Eight young people from different parts of India and from different churches are participating to learn about ecumenism.
Rev. Dr. Pakiam T Samuel Director of HMI and Vice President of NCCI gave the Keynote address. Rev. Dr Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary of NCCI and Mr. Angelious Michael, Director of India Peace Centre greeted the young participants. Rev Asher Noah, NCCI Youth Concerns Executive Secretary welcomed all the participants and introduced them to the elements of the six-day program.
Mr. Michael Angelious, who started with NCCI as a participant of the Youth Empowerment Training in 1999, was felicitated for 25 years of facilitating the Spirit of Ecumenism in Church and Society.
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NEWS RELEASE | Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024
/0 Comments/in Appeal, News from NCCI /by CommunicationsThe National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) condemns the intent of the Uttar Pradesh Government in moving the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024. This amendment significantly intensifies the provisions of the original Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. While the 2021 Act already classified religious conversion as a cognizable and non-bailable offense, with penalties up to 10 years in prison for conversions conducted through marriage, misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, or other allegedly fraudulent methods, the new amendment introduces even harsher measures. It raises the maximum penalty from 10 years to life imprisonment, allows any individual to file a complaint, and complicates the bail process.
We object to this law in so far as it violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution. Conversion itself is not an offence unless induced by undue influence, misrepresentation, or coercion, which only the victim can claim. Additionally, the new law adversely affects the harmonious life in India and the basic rights of it’s citizens;
In light of these concerns, NCCI calls on the Uttar Pradesh Government to rethink this law and promptly abandon its effort to enact it. It is imperative that we uphold the values of freedom, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations.
We encourage a more inclusive dialogue with all faith groups on how best to address concerns about coercive conversions without infringing on fundamental freedoms. The emphasis should be on ensuring that all individuals can make personal choices without fear of legal repercussions or social ostracism.
Rev Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI
Dated: 31 July, 2024
NCCI Tribal & Adivasi Sunday 2024 | Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI /by CommunicationsIn order to have a better understanding of the life situation of the Tribal and Adivasi communities in India and to have a common form of worship for this special Sunday, NCCI brings out this Liturgy.
Since 2011, Tribal and Adivasi Sunday have been celebrated in many parts of our country in sensitizing the local congregation on Tribal and Adivasi Concerns. We would like to thank for the enormous support we have received from the churches, dioceses, parishes and institutions in celebrating this special Sunday.
The theme for this year’s Tribal and Adivasi Sunday is “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”. We take this opportunity to invite you to celebrate Tribal and Adivasi Sunday on 4th August 2024 in your church/local parish/institution in a creative way. Herewith we are sending you a special order of worship for the day. You may take the freedom to use the entire worship order and translate it in your vernacular language or adapt parts of it.
Download the liturgy
Reflection
In Christ,
Mr. Pradip Bansrior
Executive Secretary
Commission on Tribal/ Adivasi Concerns
National Council of Churches in India
Pride Conversation: Fostering Dialogue Between Church and LGBTQIA Leaders
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI /by CommunicationsThe Pride Conversation in fostering a more inclusive church environment for the LGBTQIA community was convened by the Tamil Nadu Christian Council alongside the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches of India and the National Ecumenical Forum for Gender and Sexual Diversity (NEFGSD) at its annual Pride Conversation on June 29th 2024, initiated by National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). This year’s event focused on deepening discussion on LGBTQIA+ issues and invites churches in India to show progress on LGBTQIA inclusion.
Key recommendations from the discussions include acceptance of gender non-conforming Children, marriage equality, and better understanding of LGBTQIA issues among church leaders. Additionally, the development of educational modules, medical support for transgender individuals, and inclusive policies within churches are being prioritized.
The 2024 event, focused on LGBI issues saw participation from the Catholic Churches and the National Missionary Society. Fr. Leo from the Catholic Church discussed on the evolving stance of churches on trans community concerns and combating LGBI discrimination. Furthermore, NCCI is actively developing inclusive guidelines and training programs, with increase in participation in Pride walks.
The Pride Conversations concluded with reflections having led to a more inclusive environment within churches in India. Sensitization programs, educational modules, and job opportunities for LGBTQIA individuals are being developed. This commitment to inclusivity lays a strong foundation for future progress in LGBTQIA rights within the Indian Christian community.
National Consultation Addresses Legal Frameworks for Tribal/ Adivasi Communities in India
/0 Comments/in News from NCCI /by CommunicationsNagpur, Maharashtra – A historic 3-day National Consultation on Adoption of Laws applicable to 5th and 6th Schedule Areas was held by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) Commission on Tribal/Adivasi Concerns from July 2nd to 4th, 2024. Over 50 delegates representing various denominations and NCCI secretariats participated in the event.
The consultation focused on building awareness on the legal frameworks governing Tribal and Adivasi communities in India. Discussions included the impact of different on these communities.
The consultation was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Sameer Isaac Khimla, Chairperson of the NCCI Commission on Tribal/Adivasi Concerns. He addressed the ongoing challenges faced by Tribal and Adivasi communities in protecting their identity.
Presentations by Dr. Bendangjungshi, Mr. Bineet Mundu, and Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi delved deeper into specific issues concerning Tribal and Adivasi rights, including the Rights and Role of Indigenous Women in customary law.
The consultation concluded with a call for church involvement in safeguarding Tribal and Adivasi rights and advocating for a just and equitable society. Participants emphasized the importance of united and continued advocacy efforts with and on behalf of indigenous people. The program was facilitated by Mr. Pradip Bansrior, Executive Secretary, Commission on Tribal and Adivasi Concerns of NCCI.
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