Church asked to incorporate tribal perspectives in worship and liturgy

A church consultation on the 'advocacy of rights of tribals in north-west India' has declared to make tribal concerns an important agenda of Churches at different levels.

Acknowledging the Church's lack of knowledge in dealing with tribal issues at hand, the consultation identified the need to develop and promote Tribal Theology and incorporate tribal perspectives in church worship and liturgy.

The participants at the Nov. 14-16 consultation condemned the "attitudes that undermine the richness of tribal spirituality and culture", and pledged to accompany tribal communities in asserting their identity and ensuring sustainable development.

They also affirmed the need to stand in solidarity with tribals in their struggles for justice by making legal assistance available in order to safeguard the customary laws, constitutional and other rights and privileges.

The consultation was organised by the NCCI in partnership with the Church of North India's Amritsar Diocese. The attendance included pastors, tribal activists, social workers and university professors.

"The tribal cultures, traditions and customary laws in the north-west region are being erased out and it is time the church step in and become aware of their contribution to our society," said Rev PK Samantaroy, Bishop of Amritsar. "We have to voice and uphold justice for tribal communities that are trampled upon."

The consultation came out with a statement demanding the government to develop infrastructure and irrigation facilities in remote tribal areas and allot degraded forest land to tribal families.

They called for the withdrawal of all cases of encroachment filed against tribal people and scrap the outdated Land Acquisition Act 1894 and enact a new legislation on acquisition.

In addition to that, illegal takeovers of land must be stopped; a special package for tribal farmers that has credit facilities at low interest rates must be offered; bonded labour and exploitation of Adivasi men and women workers must be checked; and Right to Education Act in tribal areas must be implemented through building infrastructure and increasing scholarships and stipends to tribal students.

The Church is hoping to build up support for tribal rights in a national consultation soon to be organised in Delhi.