[Today’s Prayer] Concerns over “protection blind spot” for Dalit Christians in India

Following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India, controversy is spreading as concerns are raised that Christians from Dalit backgrounds—commonly referred to as “untouchables”—may be excluded from constitutional protections and preferential measures.

In Indian society, Dalits have long belonged to the lowest tier of the traditional caste system and have suffered severe discrimination and social exclusion for generations. Accordingly, the Indian Constitution has protected them through the “Scheduled Castes” system, which guarantees a certain percentage of opportunities in areas such as admission to educational institutions and employment in the public sector.

However, in this ruling, the Supreme Court determined that only followers of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism can legally be recognized as members of the Scheduled Castes. As a result, Dalits who have converted to Christianity may now face losing the benefits of anti-discrimination policies and social protection measures they previously received.

In India, there has been a steady pattern of people converting to Christianity or Islam in order to escape caste discrimination. However, this ruling shows that such a choice could instead lead to the loss of social safety nets.

As a result, some converts may face pressure to return to Hinduism in order to maintain their previous benefits. Despite the guarantee of religious freedom, there are concerns that the range of real choices is becoming limited.

In this ruling, the Supreme Court panel also directly quoted a Bible verse. The court stated, “Christianity, by its theological foundation, does not recognize the caste system,” and cited the passage, “You are all one in Christ Jesus.”

While this is interpreted as emphasizing that Christian doctrine rejects caste distinctions, there is also criticism that it fails to adequately reflect the discrimination converts face in reality and the gap in legal protection.

A local partner of the Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors said, “Although the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, legal protection from caste-based discrimination becomes limited after conversion,” adding, “This decision will push the Christian community into an even more vulnerable position.”

They continued, “Dalit and tribal Christians have already experienced various forms of persecution, including physical violence, social exclusion, and false accusations of forced conversion,” and warned that “this ruling will further intensify a hostile environment.”

The case originated from a lawsuit filed by a man who had converted to Christianity, claiming he had suffered caste-based insults and assault.

(omitted)

Source: Christian Today

“I can run against a troop with You, and by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:29–30)

We hear the heartbreaking news that Dalit Christians in India, who were once treated as “untouchables,” may now lose the benefits of anti-discrimination policies and social protection systems they had previously enjoyed.

As our brothers and sisters in India, who accepted the gospel to gain freedom from caste discrimination, now face pressure to return to Hinduism for the sake of their livelihood, we pray that unjust laws would quickly be corrected and that they would be governed by the word of God’s kingdom.

May our brothers and sisters in India become those who take refuge in the Lord, their shield, and may this be a time when they experience that all they need is added to them as they seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.

Especially in times like these, may the Indian church rely more fully on the Lord and run forward, leaping over the strong walls of Hinduism. May You protect the Indian church in Your word so that they may testify to the perfect God among the nations.

Also, may the global church pray together regarding this situation of persecution in India, exposing the falsehoods of Hinduism and bearing witness that there is neither high nor low in Jesus Christ, so that they may serve India with hope for the kingdom of God.

And so, may India run forward to fulfill the Great Commission, overcoming all discrimination through the love of the cross of Jesus Christ, a love that transcends all peoples!