Mission Network News

India (MNN) ― What many had hoped would be a breakthrough for Dalit Christians in India, has turned into huge defeat.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (NCSC/ST) rejected the demand for affirmative-action benefits for Dalit Christians and Muslims. The committee denied the need for the benefits on the grounds that "untouchability," the main criteria for the benefits, only affected Hindu Dalits, who are considered untouchables.

Speaking from India, the president and founder of Gospel for Asia KP Yohannan says, "This is a huge, huge roadblock for masses of communities to embrace the Christian faith."

In 2005, the Supreme Court requested that the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM) conduct an investigation and complete a report concerning the need for affirmative-action benefits for Dalit Christians and Muslims. Following the investigation, the commission will submit a report to the Supreme Court. Yet after two years of "investigation," no report has been filed.

However, Yohannan doesn't believe this is over. "There is still a lot of talk, a lot of  articles, people are talking about it. These people deserve to have the privileges guaranteed by the constitution. So, I think this will be picked up again."

While many are upset with this committee decision, Yohannan says it's not going to stop Dalits from turning to Christ. He says it makes their conversion even more incredible. "In many places," Yohannan says, "these people are coming to Christ knowing that they are going to be losing their privileges. They may not be able to send their kids for higher education, which they were able to do almost free.  But, I'm telling you knowing Christ and really encouraging new life changes everything."

The demand for Scheduled Caste status for Christians is still pending before the Supreme Court of India. Many commissions and important government departments have strongly recommended Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians based on the fact that they experience the same socio-economic disabilities as other Dalits.

Recently a Dalit has been appointed to sit the Supreme Court. Yohannan is hopeful this will make a difference. "Him being there definitely is a positive thing in the days to come."

Until that happens, however, Yohannan says more Dalits are likely to turn to Christ, but quietly. "There are huge numbers of people who actually follow Christ and worship Him, although they have not declared it publicly. And, I think the Kingdom's work and impact is definitely taking place."

With headquarters in Carrollton, Texas, Gospel for Asia is one of the fastest-growing church-planting ministries in South Asia. More than 16,000 native missionaries are now serving and have planted more than 29,000 churches in 10 nations across Asia.