Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - The subject of religious freedom is keenly felt in India. Although the principle is guaranteed by the Constitution, several Indian states have approved anti-conversion legislations often interpreted restrictively, which demands that the authenticity of a personal conversion be assessed by a magistrate of civil servant.
Against this approach and in defence of the supreme principles of freedom of conscience and religion on Saturday 14 October a World Religious Freedom Day Rally will be held in Nagpur to protest against the continued oppressiveness of the caste system and the proliferation of state-level anti-conversion legislation.
The rally is supported by Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu leaders and will be attended by international observers and co-sponsored by Christian Solidarity Worldwide CSW and All India Christian Council AICC.
About one hundred thousand Dalits are expected to take part in this event dedicated this year to Dalits. Christians are often accused of using social services to proselytise among Dalits. Christian Dalits are often forced re-convert to Hinduism in public “return home” ceremonies.
“We believe this peaceful rally will be the start of a nationwide movement promoting the most basic human right - the freedom of conscience and the ability to choose one’s religion. The citizens of India will overturn theses anti-conversion laws through and unrelenting campaign in the media, in the courts and in civic life”, the organisers say.
Dalit is the self-appointed name for the group at the base of the Hindu caste ladder. Dalits in Indian number around 160-180 million. They are consistently compelled to perform the most menial, degrading and dangerous tasks in Indian society, denied basic human rights, maltreated and are the chief victims of bonded labour, human trafficking and religious violence. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2006 righe 27 parole 274)
