CASTE IN THE ‘CHURCH’

Discrimination of fellow human beings comes in different shades. Some are discriminated by the colour of their skin. While some are discriminated by the country of their origin. Some others are discriminated by their region and their language. I have seen it all…and experienced them too.

Discrimination and racism is deeply rooted in the superiority of one race, group or set of people. However, discrimination on the basis of one’s caste is the most sinister of them all. This is so, because the discrimination is rooted in “religion” – the most powerful “tool” ever. One can “come out” of this, only by being faithful to the caste into which one is born.

Sadly, the Church in India has not addressed this issue strongly till date. Instead, they seem to be tacitly accepting it, and in many cases, actively supporting it. It is a tragedy, that the “redeemed church” should practice such a malaise, so openly and so enthusiastically, as seen today. A sad but true reflection.

Rev. Daniel Wilson, the Anglican bishop of Calcutta, India, stated in 1833, that “the caste system must be abolished in Anglican churches.” “Those who belong to Christ must give proof of having really put off…the old, and having put on the new man in Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

In 1835 he was noted for calling the caste system “a cancer.” It is a manifestation of our sick and the sinful heart. Truly, it is, as noted by Rev. Daniel Wilson – a terminal sickness, that will lead us to “death” for sure. Is it not true?

There are only two positions in regards to caste system – either we believe caste system is right, or believe it is wrong. Both these positions most certainly indicate where our heart, mind and our stands, and to whom we owe our allegiance. Let us have no illusions about it.