‘Interfacing for Emancipation: Dalit Thelogians and Activists in Conversation for Collaboration’

http://www.nccindia.in/news/pressrelease/n_182.htmRev. Raj Bharath Patta,Executive Secretary,NCCI -Commission on Dalits

reports: "An ecumenical reception on solidarity for Dalits has been organized on 8th August, 2010 at United Theological College, Bangalore in conjunction with a programme ‘Interfacing for Emancipation: Dalit Thelogians and Activists in Conversation for Collaboration’ which was held during 5-9 August 2010 at Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore organized by CODECS, WCC, SCMI, SATHRI and ECC. Mr. Paul Diwakar, National Convener of NCDHR, Rev. Dr. Monica Melanchton, Head of the Department of Old Testament at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Dr. Sukumar from the University of Delhi gave glimpses of the Dalit reality and the conversations that took place between Dalit Theologians and activists. Rev. Dr. Deenabandhu Manchala, WCC Programme Executive, Unity, Mission and Spirituality, brought greetings and shared the role of the World Council in building just and inclusive communities across the globe. Rt. Rev. Dr. Taranath S. Sagar, President, NCCI spoke on the occasion and called on the Churches to join the Dalit Movement in bringing in a transformation both within and outside our communities. Several Church leaders in Bangalore attended this evening reception. Rev. Vincent Rajkumar from CISRS, Rev.A. Samuel Jayakumar, Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi from NCCI, Rev. Dr. Peniel Jesudason Rufus Rajkumar and staff members of the United Theological College and several Dalit activists participated and had conversation on Dalit solidarity. Rev. Dr. Joseph Prabhakar Dayam also shared the role of CODECS, Collective of Dalit Ecumenical Christian Colleges and proposed the Vote of Thanks. This ecumenical reception also created an interest among the participants to join hand in hand with the ongoing movements for justice, for all of them affirmed that justice is the core of the Christian Gospel of Jesus Christ."