Dalit Prayer
Dalit Court Case DelayedA crucial case before the Indian Supreme Court, which affects the lives of millions of Dalit Christians, has once again been postponed. The decision, delayed several times already, had been scheduled for a final ruling yesterday before the Court. However, the justices moved the hearing date to November. The case will decide whether the nation's Dalit Christians will be afforded the same basic rights as their non-Christian counterparts. Dalits, also known as "Untouchables," are the lowest rung in the Indian caste system. Although the caste system was legally ended in 1950, its reality permeates every aspect of Indian life. Dalits are relegated to lives of virtual slavery. And while Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist Dalits are given special placement in universities and government jobs, Dalit Christians lose these rights when they choose to follow Christ. Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan issued a strong plea today to Christians around the world to continue in prayer for this court case. The postponement is not a setback, he declared. "This delay is a positive development," he explained, "because it means that the Court is not rushing to judgment, and is taking seriously this case of discrimination against Dalit Christians." "It also means that Christians like you and me have more time to intercede with prayer, asking God to guide the thoughts and decisions of the judges. And this is especially important, because behind this case lies a Himalaya-sized spiritual battle! Jesus tells us that this kind of battle can only be won through prayer and fasting." A government census reports that some 20 million Dalits have become Christians. There are also many Dalits whose only hesitation to becoming Christians is fear of this legalized discrimination. "Just think of what a difference this court decision could make for them!" said Dr. Yohannan. Please continue to fast and pray that the Supreme Court of India will correct these injustices." |
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