Dalit Christians in Tamil Nadu village allege church discrimination

TRICHY: A section of Dalit Christians at Kottapalayam in Trichy have alleged blatant caste discrimination being practised in the village parish, saying that they are not allowed to be involved in church activities as those from the dominant community alone are considered members of the parish.
According to J Doss Prakash, A Pouldoss and Raj Nobili of Kottapalayam village, St Mary Magdalene Church parish in the village belongs to Kumbakonam Catholic diocese. Around 540 Dalit Christian families and about 100 families of dominant caste Catholics live in the village. Doss Prakash said though a council was functioning in the church, only the dominant community members are selected as members and functionaries. He claimed that Dalits are not allowed to give any financial contribution or church subscription, saying it could pollute their customs.
When TOI contacted A Kannan, the village head of dominant Catholics, he said that as of now Catholics of all castes were living as brothers and sisters and there was no discrimination among them.