Saturday, August 23, 2008

Demonstration for Dalit Rights in India

[I received this from The Dalit Freedom Network. Please support this work for justice and human rights. "Dalit" is a word for "untouchable" in the Hindu caste system.]

LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you." 2 Chronicles 14:11

Dalit Christian leaders across India will protest injustices related to Dalit believers on August 26, 2008. Due to caste oppression, Dalits are often unable to qualify for civil job positions based on a lack of education, training or experience. Because of this disadvantage, Indian law guarantees civil jobs for Dalits through a "reservation" system that requires a designated number of job positions to be filled by Dalit workers. These reserved employment spots are not available to Dalits who profess Christian or Muslim beliefs. In response to this discrimination, thousands of Dalit Christians plan to peacefully protest by blocking the trains at railway stations in the major cities of India for thirty minutes on August 26 with the goal of gaining national attention for this injustice.

From now through August 26th, please pray that the demonstration will:

remain peaceful,

attract national media attention for the issue of rights for Dalit Christians

effectively mobilize thousands of Dalit Christians and other supporters

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