Re-inventing Dalit theology for the 21st century
A drama presentation by community educators in Kanglvakam, a Dalit village about 45 km south of Chennai/Madras. © Peter Williams/WCC
In order to serve the Indian church and the people more effectively, Dalit theology needs to re-invent itself as a theology of life for all. This was one of the findings of an international symposium that brought together some 30 Dalit theologians, social activists and academics from around the globe in Kolkata, India, last week.
The Dalits are the minority which is worst discriminated against by the Indian caste system. They used to be referred to as 'untouchables'.
The symposium is a "significant milestone in the history of Indian Christian theology", says Vinod Peacock, dean of Practical work at the Bishop's College in Kolkata and one of the organizers of the event. According to Peacock, progress was achieved on methodology and a variety of issues ranging from Dalit identity, history, religion and the role of women, to epistemology and hermeneutics.
Held on 13-17 January in Kolkata, India, the symposium on Dalit Theology in the 21st Century: Discordant Voices, Discerning Pathways was organized by the Bishop's College in collaboration with the World Council of Churches and the Council for World Mission.
More information on WCC work in solidarity with Dalits
Website of the Council for World Mission