Untouchable Freedom

In July, we will celebrate July 4th, America's day of Independence. During this time of "freedom celebration," let us not forget those who continue to suffer oppression, particularly those in India.

One out of six Hindus is born into the lowest level of India's caste system, and carries the name "untouchable."

When entering the caste system, you are entering the world's longest surviving forms of social stratification.

Gandhi preferred to call these people harijans (people of God) but today they prefer to call themselves "Dalit" (oppressed).

In America, the Civil War abolished slavery. Our Constitution, Bill of Rights and Women Suffrage, affords all races and sexes the right to vote and protection from discrimination and oppression.

In 1949, India's constitution codified abolishment of caste discrimination; however, until August of 2001 this code was not enforced.

Today, even these constitutional rights are insufficient to ensure freedom and dignity for the 200+ million Dalit's who continue to be enslaved in the oppressive caste system.

As we observe our Independence Day, may we bend our knee in prayer and may our heart's be broken for these Dalit's, who's voices have been silenced, who's bodies have been beaten, who's homes have been burned and who's women have been raped and for whom God calls us to speak for and defend.

Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9 NASB)
~by Chris~