Story number 1 for 7 Nov 2002

(India)–In the headlines, acts of violence against Christians have increased in light of recent legislation forbidding religious conversions. The law was in response to a mass renunciation of the Hindu faith by the Dalits, or untouchables. Gospel For Asia’s K-P Yohannon says because of the Hindu oppression, violence is increasing. “There is a huge uprising going on throughout the whole country. 300-million Dalits–these untouchables are saying, ‘We are cursed under Hinduism, we are slaves, we are not even human beings’.” Yohannon says the most recent incident involved the lynching of five Dalits by the upper caste. But, even in that, he says there is evidence of a hopeful future. “Again, this is the tip of the iceberg that says God is working behind the scenes. These millions and millions of Dalits are seeking a way out of the Hindu caste system, we are believing God that million will turn to the Lord for true freedom.”