In association with A.I.C.C./SC-ST Federations

[Editor's Note: This press statement is very important because the NAE is one of the largest ecumenical networks of churches in the United States. They have apologised for ignoring the plight of the Dalits and encouraged all their members to become involved in seeking freedom and dignity for the Scheduled Castes. Over 45,000 churches from 61 denominations in the USA are members. Also, the NAE has only issued a statement like this two other times in their history!]

National Association of Evangelicals Puts Forth a Statement of Conscience Concerning the Dalits

Written in Conjunction with the Dalit Freedom Network, Historic Statement Calls for Action on Behalf of Dalits in South Asia

Washington, DC - The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) Board of Directors on Thursday, October 11, 2007 unanimously agreed to put forth a “Statement of Conscience Concerning the Dalits.” This Statement is the third Statement of Conscience from the NAE and the first dealing with the crisis of Caste abuse and Untouchability in India.

The Statement was written in conjunction with the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) and was presented to the Board by DFN International President Joseph D’Souza. Dr. D’Souza introduced the Statement with a broad overview of the present challenges facing Dalits and encouraged the leaders around the room to rise to the challenge of facing the world’s largest and oldest form of mental and spiritual slavery.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Dr. D’Souza. “NAE’s leadership understands the critical nature of anti-Dalit persecution and has risen to face it with this strong statement.”

“There are those who suggest that to judge the practices of another culture is unsuitable, and a violation of tolerance. But moral absolutes do exist, there is justice and injustice and evangelicals intend to stand up and demonstrate Christ’s own love for the poor and the oppressed around the world,” said Richard Cizik, NAE Vice President for Governmental Affairs. 

The Statement of Conscience Concerning the Dalits begins with a broad overview of Caste and the abuse that follows from its hierarchical mindset, including physical violence against Dalits, economic discrimination, social discrimination, and religious persecution. The Statement then contains a moving “Call to Action” for all Christian leaders to publicly acknowledge the discrimination facing the Dalits and to call on the Government of the United States to work with Indian leadership to end Caste discrimination. Significantly, the Statement calls on the Government Accounting Office to prepare a report detailing the effects of foreign aid on the Dalits and calls on the State Department to produce a report dealing solely with the issue of Caste discrimination in South Asia.

The Statement of Conscience Concerning the Dalits is available from the NAE’s website (www.nae.net) and from DFN’s website (www.dalitnetwork.org). 

The mission of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is to stand for biblical truth, speak with a representative voice, and serve the evangelical community through united action, cooperative ministry, and strategic planning.  Founded in 1942, the Association represents more than 45,000 local churches from 61 different denominations and serves a constituency of millions.

The Dalit Freedom Network’s mission is to partner with the Dalits (India’s Untouchables) in their quest for religious freedom, social justice, and human dignity by mobilizing human, informational, and financial resources.