Dalit Christians allege casteism at Tiruchi church

A section of Dalit Christians at Kottapalayam village near Thuraiyur in Tiruchi has alleged caste discrimination at St. Mary Magdalene Church.

They claim they were not allowed to get involved in church activities and participate in celebrations.

Addressing the media on Monday, representatives of the group said that around 150 Dalit Christian families were residing in Kottapalayam village. The parish administration neither collected the mandatory tax from them nor involved them in church activities.

Though there were no restrictions in offering prayers at the church, only families belonging to the dominant community were considered members of the parish, which comes under the diocese of Kumbakonam. “Though we participate in the feast, the car procession will not come to our street. We have to wait for the car on the street corner to offer our prayers,” claimed Raj Nobili, a Dalit resident.

The group also alleged that there were separate cemeteries for the dominant caste and the Dalits. Though the issue was taken up with the Bishop of Kumbakonam, no concrete steps were taken to address it. “After we held a protest demanding our rights in July 2022, Revenue Department officials visited the village and held peace talks. But nothing changed, and hence, we have sent a complaint to the Pope as well as the Tiruchi Collector,” Mr. Nobili added.

When contacted, Fr. Augustine, the parish priest, said, “The issue has persisted for years. But the Dalits have not raised it with me so far. We will organise a meeting with members of both the castes and take necessary steps to settle the issue amicably.”