The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) have called churches and Christians across the country to observe Dalit Liberation Sunday (DLS) on Nov. 12, aiming to sensitize the local congregations towards the concerns of Dalits.
Under the banner, "Religious Freedom of Dalits", DLS is also aimed at empowering the local congregations for Dalit liberation.
The NCCI has called to observe DLS in a "creative way and rededicate their commitment to the Gospel by accompanying the unaccompanied."
In a statement released on Oct. 10, Pradip Bansrior, executive secretary of Dalit and Tribal/ Adivasi Concerns, NCCI, said DLS has become an important feature in the calendar of Indian Churches and Ecumenical movements.
The church no longer sees caste as a sociological issue or an issue outside the purview of church but more recognized as an issue challenging the core of our faith and gospel, read the statement.
