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Registered RNI No. 45550/88 Published on 9th and 24th every month L/Tech-47/ 1154/MBI/09 - 11

VOLUME 24 ISSUE 21

MUMBAI

NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

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World Communion of Reformed Churches Global Consultation of Theologians

Theology is crucial for the survival of the earth and its people
Theology now is crucial for the survival of the earth and its people. God calls us in a specific place and at a particular time, and we are at an altogether new time and place.
Theology is crucial for the survival of the earth, says South African professor. The combined effects of globalization and networked communication are transforming the world in ways that can lead either to better life or disaster. How Christians understand what their faith is calling them to do in response to this challenge could make a significant difference according to a South African theologian. Theology now is crucial for the survival of the earth and its people, says Jurgens Hendriks. God calls to us in a specific place at a particular time and we are at an altogether new time and place. Hendriks who is Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Stellenbosch made his comments in an address to participants in the first global consultation of the Network of Theologians. The event, organized by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), brought theologians from 12 countries to Mangalore, India Contd. Page 5 Col 1 ..>>>

SCMIs Call for Solidarity in Support of Ms. Irome Sharmila

11 years of fasting, the plea unheard!

On the All Souls Day in the year 2000, after witnessing the brutal killings of 40 common people in her town by the Armed Forces, a 28 year old young woman Ms. Irome Chanu Sharmila, could not remain silent, and began a political fast unto justice against the Indian State, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), an act which allows the security forces to shoot on and at sight, arresting anyone without a warrant.
3826 days from then, that courageous iron woman, whom she calls herself a simple woman vis--vis social activist, did not give up her fast till now, fighting a lonely battle against the state hoping that human rights shall be affirmed in her land and the dignity of life of all people will be respected. Ms. Irome Sharmila entered silently (for the media is absolutely silent, the civil society is silent for they have other fastings to cheer up, and the government is silent for they have a deaf ear to her pleas) into Editorial her 12th year of fasting on 2 Nov. 2011. It is high time that we, as student communities and responsible citizens of our country rededicated, to express our solidarity with Ms. Sharmila and joined her in demanding repeal of the inhuman AFPSA. This draconian law has taken the lives of several common and innocent people over the years, and has become a threat to the very fabric of democracy in India. Contd. Page 6 Col 1 ..>>>

The Vatican meets the Wall Street occupiers

Will we soon see a distinguished-looking older man in long, white robes walking among the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators in New Yorks Zuccotti Park? Is Pope Benedict XVI joining the protest movement? Well, yes and no. Yes, the Vaticans Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace has issued a strong and thoughtful critique of the global financial system that paralleled many of the criticisms of unchecked capitalism that are echoing through Lower Manhattan and cities around the world.
The report spoke of the primacy of being over having, of ethics over the economy, and of embracing the logic of the global common good. In a knock against those who oppose government economic regulation, the Council emphasized the primacy of politics which is responsible for the common good over the economy and finance. It commented favourably on financial transactions tax and supported an international authority to oversee the global economy. But Vatican officials were careful to say that their report was not a direct response to the worldwide demonstrations. It is a coincidence that we share some views, said Bishop Mario Toso, secretary of the Council. But after all, these are proposals that are based on reasonableness. Indeed, that may be a larger compliment to the 99 percent activists. This document got more attention than it might have because the demonstrators have heightened concern about the problems it addresses. Moreover, the Vatican offices intervention shows that those protesting against a broken and unjust financial Contd. Page 3 Col 1 ..>>> In the past, the workers were the oppressed; now, the 99 percent are ENI Eye A delegation of NCCI, CBCI and NCDC meets Sonia Gandhi

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Created in the image of God Letter to the Editor Indian women are reduced to easily dispensable commodities Subject the economy to reasonable rules

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Police Shooting at Paramakkudi Release of the book Karunanantha Chavali and Geetha Maligai Christianity in China Networked social movements are the key drivers of transformation Do women have a choice?

Solidarity in the struggles for land

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Kala-Kwait: Enact Comprehensive Indian Emigration Law Repeal the draconian AFPSA Re-ordering, by a subverter of the Law Various types of anti-Dalit plans

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NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

Biblical meditations on gender, reproductive and sexual health

Created in the image of God

Arab and African countries after Qaddafi
The killing of Muammar Qaddafi who ruled Libya for 44 years, by the forces of NATO cannot be seen merely as the end of a dictator. This is bound to have its impacts not only on the future of the Arab world, but also of many African countries. One lesson to be learned is this: dictators, whether they do good for the nation/people or not, will have to account for their deeds one day. Liberation of Libya from the reign of the infamous King Idris , nationalization of the oil companies in Libya and using the oil wealth of the country for improving the standard of living of the people; especially for health, education and infrastructure development, are the contributions of Qaddafi to the people of Libya. But, later, he became an autocrat and allowed his children and the kith and kin to take away the wealth of the country. He had to pay the price for this. Qaddafi, inspired by Abdul Gamal Nasser of Egypt, became a brave Arab ruler who resisted the intervention of the US in his oil-rich country. Therefore, he was included in the hit list of the US. However, after 9/11; especially after the US occupation of Iraq, he made compromise with the US and gave up Libyas nuclear programme with the hope that he would be spared. But, this did not help him to have a peaceful end. When NATO started bombing in Libya, he might have repented for abandoning the nuclear programme. This is the sad fate of the rulers of countries endowed with rich natural resources: whether the ruler keeps friendship with or invites the wrath of the US, they cannot be safe in the saddle. The struggle against Qaddafi was started by the people for democratic governance. Unlike in the struggles of the people in Tunisia and Egypt; in Libya, the US through NATO actively supported the forces that fought against Qaddafi. Obviously, the oil wealth of Libya is the reason behind such a policy. The indications show that the new government being formed in Libya is bound to be loyal to the US, if not a puppet. Therefore, it is doubtful, whether the end of Qaddafi would help the people to realize their aspirations for true democracy and peaceful development. What is more unfortunate is that, with the end of Qaddafi, the US is planning to exercise more control over the politics and the mineral wealth in the Arab and African countries. Her withdrawal from direct intervention in Iraq will be compensated by the intervention in Libya. But that is not all. To get out of the deep economic recession, the US is eyeing on complete control over the mineral resources wherever possible. Syria and Iran are obstructions to this plan. As the existence of a moderate government in the Arab world is a hindrance to establish her hegemony there, the US has already started supporting anti-government forces in Syria. After Saddham Husain and Qaddafi, elimination of President Assad of Syria will help her to attack Iran. Therefore, the US will be intensifying her schemes against Syria and Iran to bring the entire oil wealth under her control. The end of Qaddafi also appears to be a blow on the aspirations of the people created by the Arab Spring. The victory of the people in Tunisia and Egypt, in fact, created a big hope of the dawn of democracy across the Arab world. But, the suppression of the people in Bahrain by the forces of Saudi Arabia which is a strong ally of the US, and control over the peoples forces by the US in Libya and Yemen are a set back to the real emergence of true democratic, peoples power. Mineral-rich countries in Africa may also face new waves of US intervention. Despite these adverse signs, PR wishes that the people everywhere become alert to the US interventions in the affairs of the countries.
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So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27). The Bible teaches the wholeness of creation as based on relationships of interdependence and interconnectedness and calls human beings to take care of the garden of Eden (Gen 2:15). The God of the Bible is a God of justice who protects, loves and cares for the most vulnerable among his creatures. Yet religious texts are too often read and interpreted to promote oppressive hierarchical relationships especially in the area of gender.
A series of Biblical meditations on gender, reproductive and sexual health is being launched by the World Council of Churches (WCC), inviting congregations and individual Christians to make November a month of reflection on health and healing. November is that time of year just before Advent when we prepare for our Saviour coming into the world, says Dr Manoj Kurian, WCC programme executive for Health and Healing. It is a time for reflection and preparation as we invite God into our lives, a time for healing and transformation. The reflections will be looking at stories from the Bible and at the Christian calling to service in the world. The focus of the Month of Health and Healing is on gender, reproductive and sexual health. Patriarchy and male domination derives its justification from both religion and culture. These attitudes have a profound influence on the way power relationships between genders are constructed. This contributes significantly to undervaluing the rights and roles of women in the community and the justification for the exploitation of the environment. This in turn reduces the concern and the efforts to preserve and promote womens health, through neglect and underinvestment.

A communitarian perspective
It is critical to realize that the image of God as a community, being represented by the Trinity, can only be represented in humanity in the community of women and men as a totality. The image of God only becomes evident in humanity, when the relationship among women and men reflect dignity, compassion, humaneness and respect for the humanity of the other. The image of God becomes evident when we live in such a way as to enable the community around us and the wider world near and far will be able to live fuller and happier lives: a community of women and men that experiences equity, justice and peace

community through her. Education plays an important role in giving women more control over how many children they have. Education is associated with lower levels of child mortality and better child nutrition and health. Children of mothers with secondary education or higher are twice as likely to survive beyond age five as those whose mothers have no education. Each extra year of a mothers schooling reduces the probability of infant mortality by five to ten percent. In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 1.8 million childrens lives could have been saved in 2008 if their mothers had at least a secondary education. Of 8.2 million fewer deaths in children younger than 5 years between 1970 and 2009, it is estimated that 4.2 million (51.2%) could be attributed to increased educational attainment in women of reproductive age. Give opportunities to women and girls banish hunger and poverty: Throughout the world, it is evident that empowering and giving women greater opportunity in parity with men enhances the wellbeing and wealth of societies. A greater proportion of the wealth generated by women finds its way back to the family and community, enhancing the health, education and nutritional status of children and of families. In the agricultural sector, it is estimated that women farmers, who represent 43 percent of all farmers, have less access to resources, including fertilizers, seeds, land, credit, technology and education. As a result, Contd. Page 6 Col 1 ..>>>

Reflections for action

Give health to girls and women liberate societies from ill-health: Good reproductive health care and respect for womens reproductive rights can help ensure that every infant is wanted, loved and has a chance to thrive, Universal access to reproductive health care is achievable, could prevent most reproductive health problems and spur progress in various areas of social and economic development. Some countries, even those with high poverty levels, have demonstrated that political leadership combined with technical knowledge and resources can accomplish this. Give education to women and girls give life to communities: As the African proverb says: if you educate a woman you would have educated the whole

Letter to the Editor

Jan Lokpal Bill

The fight against corruption for the welfare & wellbeing of common man, along with Anna Hazare who observes silence during these days on account of his health condition, must be strengthened. I believe that once the Jan lokpal is passed atleast in the forthcoming winter season, many leaders including religious heads will be behind the bar for their bribery, bypassing the committees & tremendous misusing of powers & positions. While checking the defects of the industrials & industrialization, It is good to keep an eye on religious educational institutions & organizations, because so many are not employed ,though qualified perfectly, with quality & higher education due to nepotism favouritism, bribery & maladministration. O. Rajendra Prasad, Vellore

Thought for the Fortnight

Who are the greater criminals those who sell the instruments of death, or those who buy and use them?
Robert E. Sherwood

EMBERS in mind will lead to an EMBRACE

NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

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Daughters are not for slaughter - 3

Indian women are reduced to easily dispensable commodities

Vibhuti Patel
[Third part of excerpts from the paper Sex Selection and Missing Women in India] A survey by India Today, 15.6.1986, revealed that among the Kallar community in Tamilnadu, mothers who gave birth to baby girls might be forced to kill their infant by feeding them milk from poisonous oleander berries. This author is convinced that the researcher could also find contemporary cases of female infanticide in parts of western Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. In addition, female members of the family usually receive inferior treatment regarding food, medication and education (Kynch & Sen 1983). When they grow up, they are further harassed with respect to dowry. Earlier, only among the higher castes, the brides parents had to give dowry to the grooms family at the time of engagement and marriage. As higher caste women were not allowed to work outside the family, their work had no social recognition. The women of the higher castes were seen as a burden. To compensate the

India has had a tradition of killing female babies (custom of DUDHAPITI) by putting opium on the mothers nipple and feeding the baby, by suffocating her in a rug, by placing the afterbirth over the infants face, or by ill-treating daughters (Clark 1982).
husband for shouldering the burden of his wife, dowry was given by the girls side to the boys side. Lower class women always worked in the fields, mines, plantations, and factories and as artisans. Basic survival needs of the family such as collection of firewood and water, horticulture and assistance in agricultural & associated activities; were provided by the women of lower castes and lower classes. Hence women were treated as productive members among them and there was no custom of dowry among the toiling masses. Males in the upper class also thought that a daughter would take away the familys property to her in-laws after her marriage. In a patri-local society with patri-lineage, son preference is highly pronounced. In the power relations between the brides and grooms families, the brides side always has to give in and put up with all taunts, humiliations, indignities, insults and injuries perpetrated by the grooms family. This factor also results into further devaluation of daughters. The uncontrollable lust of consumerism and commercialisation of human relations combined with patriarchal power over women have reduced Indian women to easily dispensable commodities. Dowry is easy money, get rich quick formula spreading in the society as fast as cancer. By the late eighties, dowry had not been limited to certain upper castes only but had spread among all communities in India irrespective of their class, caste and religious backgrounds. Its extreme manifestation was seen in the increasing state of dowry related murders. The number of dowry deaths was 358 in 1979, 369 in 1980, 466 in 1981, 357 in 1982, 1319 in 1986 and 1418 in 1987 as per the police records. These were only the registered cases; the unregistered cases were estimated to be ten times more.

worse because SD is practiced by all-rich and poor, upper and the lower castes, the highly educated and illiterate - whereas female infanticide was and is limited to certain warrior castes (Jeffery and Jeffery 1983). Many economists and doctors have supported SD and SP by citing the law of supply and demand. If the supply of women is reduced, it is argued, their demand as well as status will be enhanced (Sheth 1984). Scarcity of women will increase their value (Bardhan 1982). According to this logic, women will cease to be an easily replaceable commodity. But here the economists forget the sociocultural milieu in which women have to live. The society that treats women as mere sex and reproduction object will not treat women in more humane way if they are merely scarce in supply. On the contrary, there will be increased incidences of rapes, abduction and forced polyandry.

Academicians plunged in the debate:

In such circumstances, Is it not desirable that a woman dies rather than be ill-treated? asked many social scientists. In Dharam Kumars (1983) words: Is it really better to be born and to be left to die than be killed as a foetus? Does the birth of lakhs or even millions of unwanted girls improve the status of women? Before answering this question let us first see the demographic profile of Indian women. There was a continuous decline in the ratio of females to males between 1901 and 1971. Between 1971 and 1981 there was a slight increase, but the ratio continued to be adverse for women in 1991 and 2001 Census. The situation is even

Agents hired to buy the brides and forced polyandry:

In Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab, among certain communities, the sex Contd. Page 5 Col 1 ..>>>

The Vatican meets the Wall Street occupiers

Subject the economy to reasonable rules

>>> Contd. from Page 1 Col. 4 system are not expressing some marginal points of view. They are highlighting worries shared by many, including the Roman Catholic Church. To challenge what the global markets have wrought is not extreme. It reflects, as Toso said, reasonableness. Needless to say, Catholic conservatives were not happy with the document, and they did all they could to minimize its importance. George Weigel, the conservative Catholic writer, took to National Reviews blog to denigrate the Pontifical Council as a rather small office in the Roman Curia and to insist that its document doesnt speak for the pope, it doesnt speak for the Vatican, and it doesnt speak for the Catholic Church. Oh really? Then for whom does it speak? Weigel wasnt done. This brief document from the lower echelons of the Roman Curia no more aligns the Vatican, the pope, or the Catholic Church with Occupy Wall Street than does the Nicene Creed, he wrote. Those who suggest it does, are either grossly ill-

The Pontifical Councils document is important because it reflects an ethical approach to economics that is shared well beyond Catholic circles. In particular, the Council grapples intelligently with the problem of how the economy can be subject to reasonable rules when the nation-states that once enforced such regulations have less and less power, given how swiftly and easily capital moves.
informed or tendentious, to a point of irresponsibility. It is always entertaining for those of us who are liberal Catholics to watch our conservative Catholic friends try to wriggle around the fact that, on the matters of social justice and the economy, Catholic social teaching is, by any measure, progressive. Conservatives regularly condemn liberal Cafeteria Catholics who pick and choose among the churchs teachings. But the conservatives often skip the parts of the moral buffet involving peace, social justice and what Pope John Paul II called the idolatry of the market. As it happens, the Pontifical Council is no mere small office. It has been a pioneer over the years in Catholic thinking about solidarity and justice. And this document is firmly rooted in papal teaching going back to Popes John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II. Pope Benedicts 2009 encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, spoke explicitly of the need for a global political authority to keep watch on an increasingly integrated world economy. Inside-the-church politics aside, the Pontifical Councils document is important because it reflects an ethical approach to economics that is shared well beyond Catholic circles. In particular, the council grapples intelligently with the problem of how the economy can be subject to reasonable rules when the nation-states that once enforced such regulations have less and less power, given how swiftly and easily capital moves. The document describes the benefits of globalization as well as its costs, and it does not pretend that establishing transnational structures will be easy. It addresses the importance of democratic legitimacy and speaks of shared government, rather than some top-down world authority. We should not be afraid to propose new ideas, even if they might destabilize pre-existing balances of power that prevail over the weakest, the document declares. They are a seed thrown to the ground that will sprout and hurry towards bearing fruit. Lets hope so. If our religious leaders wont challenge us to love mercy and do justice, who will? E. J. Dionne Jr. Courtesy: Washington Post

Want to be a WRITER? Continue to WRITE, even if you ERR

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NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

Is Police Shooting at Paramakkudi, the Jeyalalitha Governments Warning against Dalit Politics?
S. Chandra Mohan
Immanuel Sekaran was a member of the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church and he is buried at the TELC cemetery in Paramakkudi. Since then, his death and the challenge he exercised against the dominant Thevar community of the area have been memorialized in songs and stories, and have emerged as a pivotal memory to mobilize Dalits all over the world into acts of resistance. The sacrificial death of Sekaran for Dalit cause has got instilled in Dalit minds, and a grand memorial has been now built for Sekaran at the cemetery and over time, the occasion of his death has come to be celebrated as a solemn event, and ironically, it precedes the Tamilnadu Government sponsored celebration (sponsorship was legalized by the Dravidian parties whose main vote bank comes from dominant castes) that happens in October every year,

Officially six died on the spot on September 11, 2011 when the Tamilnadu police shot at the gathering of Dalits who came to Paramakkudi to pay homage to their respected Dalit leader, the late Immanuel Sekaran, who was murdered in 1957. Just three days before this incident, a Dalit boy from a nearby village, a school student, was murdered. Dominant caste persons say that he wrote some derogatory remarks on a wall against the Thevar caste group.
as Guru Pooja, which organizes State homage to the late Muthuramalinga Thevar, who is now venerated as a symbol of Thevar unity also called Mukkulathor (three sub caste groups). Mukkulathor, the complex of Kallar-MaravarThevar castes, considers themselves as authentic Tamils, as committed to the land and its faith and as purveyors of a martial past. They had served as guards of the frontier to the imperial Cholas, and Pandyas. Majority of them pride themselves as those who had come to protect the Varnasramadharma which requires them to treat the neighbourhood Dalits with contempt, with graded inequality. Dalits, mostly from South Tamilnadu continue to bear the brunt of this wretched pride each day. On the ill fated day, the police shot at the crowd that got wild and furious which demanded the immediate release of Mr John Pandian who was way laid and arrested on his way to Paramakkudi to pay homage to the late Sekaran and visit the family of the murdered Dalit boy. Mr John Pandian is recognized as a militant Dalit leader in South Tamilnadu. One of the major

says that the most atrocious forms of untouchability continue in the region, in Ramanathapuram, since the 1930s, and it has not retreated with time and has in fact reinvented itself in the face of Dalit resistance. Sociologists and political

demands of his party is a Government sponsored celebration for late Immanuel Sekaran which the Thevar community resent. John Pandian

watchers like V Geetha observe that in the last five decades of Dravidian party rule, Thevars and Contd. Page 7 Col 1 ..>>>

Release of the book Karunanantha Chavali and Geetha Maligai

A book based on two manuscripts of Thittoor Desikar Eswarabackiya Esacu (1858-1938) written between 1893 to 1917, was released at a well attended function in the Moderator Gnanadason Auditorium of the Womens Christian College Nagercoil at 4.30 p.m. on 31 Sept.
College, Nagercoil has provided the explanatory notes. The Rt. Rev. G. Devakadasham, Deputy Moderator of the CSI, released the book. The first copy was received by the Rev. Dr. Gnana Robinson, the President of the Peace Centre at Kanyakumari. Dr. Robinson said that the book was a timely challenge to religious communalism and casteism, which dominate the social and political fabric of Kanyakumari District. Dr.Gnana Robinson reminded the audience that Thittoor Desikar Eswarabackiya Esacu had come to Christianity from a Saivite background and belonged to a migratory family from Sivakasi. Over a period of 50 years Desikar had written more than 300 manuscripts of which only 15 have been published. Nearly 200 of these handwritten manuscripts were looked after by the family and later contributed to the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary Archives. Sri Ponneelan, winner of the Sakithya Academy Award, highlighted the broad base of Desikars faith and the uniqueness of his logic wherein he acknowledged the gifts of Hinduism and Islam, but then reiterated that he found his salvation in Christianity alone. Ponneelan described the living radicalism of Desikar, a challenge to caste oppression which has come out prominently in this publication. Prof Dr. James R. Daniel delivered the keynote address. He mentioned that Desikars works have inspired four doctoral theses, two M.Phil theses and other papers of B.D, B.Th students. Dr. M.Jezer Jebaneson brought greetings. Dr. Nalatham Manoharan, Desikars great-grand daughter spoke about how the family tried to preserve the old material and how she along with her brother Jonathan Gnanadason had worked on the production of this publication. The tremendous effort put in by Dr.Isaac Arul Dhas, the editor was deeply apprecited.

L to R: Prof. Dr. James R. Daniel, Rt. Rev. G. Devakadasham, Deputy Moderator C.S.I. (releasing the book), Rev. Dr. Gnana Robinson (receiving the book) and Sri. Ponneelan

The book includes Christian Theology and Social Ethics and is written in a poetic format in South Travancore Tamil from the late 19th and early 20th century. The manuscripts which were crumbling due to age had to be carefully rewritten by hand and then set to type some 100 years after they were written. The prayers/poems written in Old Tamil need elucidation for popular reading. Prof. Dr. G.Isaac Arul Dhas of Scott Christian

Karunanantha Chavali and Geetha Maligai

(October 2011)

Gifto Publications,
Nagercoil 629603. SBN 978-81-8465-846-0. Pages 350; Rs 130/-.

Asia Pacific Ecumenical News

Christianity in China
How many people will come to listen to a lecture on Women and Christianity in China in a small liberal arts college in the Midwest in the United States? More than 500 people showed up and some students had to sit on the floor.

Kwok Pui Lan

And this is happening in a Communist country with a staunch atheist stance! According to China Christian Council, in 2010 there were 23 million Protestant Christians in China, more than 30 times the figure for 1949 (about 700,000); 56,000 churches and meeting points; and 21 seminaries and Bible schools. A few hundred thousand house churches that are unregistered, with 50-55 million adherents. The Catholics are estimated to be more than 12 million, worshipping in 6,000 churches, and there are well over 3,000 priests and 5,000 religious sisters. Relation between the Chinese Catholic Church and the Vatican has been strained because the Chinese Catholic Church selected their own bishops, who are not recognized by the Vatican. There are many Catholics who belong to the underground church, which remains loyal to the Pope. I first visited the churches in China in the early 1980s. The churches were reopened after the Cultural Revolution (19661976), the turbulent years when the Gang of Four ruled. Most of the people who came to church in the 1980s were older people, who have been Christians. The pastors were middle-aged or older. I was impressed by their steadfast faith and perseverance during the Cultural Revolution. In the fall of 2009, I visited the Chinese churches again and I was surprised by the phenomenal church growth. The priest at a church in Suzhou was only about 30 years old and the preacher was a young woman in

What about Christianity in China?

We have heard about the shift of Christian demographic to the South, because of the growth of Catholicism and the Pentecostal movements in Africa. Yet China is poised to become the country with the largest number of Christians.

her twenties! Some 2,000 people attended church that Sunday and the church could not accommodate all. Latecomers had to go to the conference rooms to participate in worship by watching close-circuit TV. Chinese Christians love to sing and many come to church an hour earlier to learn to sing Christian hymns. Since the reopening of the churches, many new hymns have been composed by Chinese musicians. Professor Kwok Pui Lan teaches at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

PAGE 5

World Communion of Reformed Churches Global Consultation of Theologians

Networked social movements are the key drivers of transformation

>>> Contd. from Page 1 Col 2 from 21-26 October. Douwe Visser, head of WCRCs Office of Theology and Communion, says, the objective of the consultation was to create an opportunity for Reformed theologians to reflect on key issues affecting the contemporary world, including the impact of the media on Christian beliefs and action. This is a group that will give guidance in a theologically changing landscape, says Visser. Plans include developing a theology of church unity (communion) among the 230 WCRC member churches and a theology of justice. The two would be closely interconnected says Visser. Hendriks believes the need for new theological models is

New theological models are urgently in the light of the negative impact of the current global economic system and in the context of increased polarisation between the rich and the poor. In the past 30 years the share of global income for the worlds poorest people declined from 2.3 percent to 1.4 percent while the share for the richest people rose from 70 percent to 85 percent.
urgent in light of the negative impact of the current global economic system. He points to increased polarisation between rich and poor, noting that in the past 30 years the share of global income for the worlds poorest people declined from 2.3 percent to 1.4 percent while the share for the richest people rose from 70 percent to 85 percent. In addition, the South African professor recognizes the impact of communication networking. Hendriks believes that these two forces have practical implications for the church. Hendriks paper and other input offered at the consultation point to ways of developing and applying theology in WCRC. This includes working with related networks such as young theologians, justice advocates and regional groups of theologians. Recommendations from the consultation will be presented to WCRCs Executive Committee at its meeting in Indonesia in May 2012.

In a networked society, networked social movements are the key drivers of transformation. The church needs to learn to understand how it works in a digitalized world. Visser says.

WCRC was created in June 2010 through a merger of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC). Its 230 member churches representing 80 million Christians are active worldwide in initiatives supporting economic, climate and gender justice, mission, and cooperation among Christians of different traditions.
WCRC News

Daughters are not for slaughter - 3

Do women have a choice?

>>> Contd. from Page 3 Col 5 ratio is extremely adverse for women. There, a wife is shared by a group of brothers or sometimes even by patrilateral parallel cousins (Dubey 1983). Recently, in Gujarat, many disturbing reports of reintroduction of polyandry (Panchali system- woman being married to five men) have come to the light. In villages in Mehsana District, the problem of declining number of girls has created major social crisis as almost all villages have hundreds of boys who are left with no choice but to buy brides from outside (The Times of India, 8-72004). To believe that it is better to kill a female foetus than to give birth to an unwanted female child is not only short- sighted but also fatalistic. By this logic it is better to kill poor people or Third World masses rather than to let them suffer in poverty and deprivation. This logic also presumes that social evils like dowry are Godgiven and we cannot do anything about it. Hence, victimise the victims. Another argument is that in cases where women have one or more daughters they should be allowed to undergo amniocentesis so that they can plan a balanced family by having sons. Instead of continuing to produce female children in the hope of giving birth to a male child, it is better for the familys and the countrys welfare that they abort the female foetus and produce a small and balanced family with daughters and sons.

Repeatedly it has been stated that women themselves enthusiastically welcome the test. It is a question of womens own choice. But are these choices made in a social vacuum? These women are socially conditioned to accept that unless they produce one or more male children they have no social worth (Rapp 1984). They can be harassed, taunted, even deserted by their husbands if they fail to do so.
This concept of the balanced family however, also has a sexiest bias. Would the couples with one or more sons request amniocentesis to get rid of male foetuses and have a daughter in order to balance their family? Never! The author would like to clarify the position of feminist groups in India. They are against SD and SP leading to male or female foeticide. What price should women pay for a balanced family? How many abortions can a woman bear without jeopardising her health? Repeatedly it has been stated that women themselves enthusiastically welcome the test, of their free will. It is a question of womens own choice. But are these choices made in a social vacuum? These women are socially conditioned to accept that unless they produce one or more male children they have no social worth (Rapp 1984). They can be harassed, taunted, even deserted by their husbands if they fail to do so. Thus, their choices depend on fear of society. It is true that feminists throughout the world have always demanded the right of women to control their own fertility, to choose whether or not to have children and to enjoy facilities for free, legal and safe abortions. But to understand this issue in the Third World context, we must see it against the background of imperialism and racism, which aims at control of the coloured population. Thus, It is all too easy for a population control advocate to heartily endorse womens rights, at the same time diverting the attention from the real causes of the population problem. Lack of food, economic security, clean drinking water and safe clinical facilities have led to a situation where a woman has to have 6.2 children to have at least one surviving male child. These are the roots of the population problem, not merely desire to have a male child (Chhachhi & Sathyamala 1983). Economics and Politics of Femicide in the Developing Countries There are some who ask, If family planning is desirable, why not sex-planning? The issue is not so simple. We must situate this problem in the context of commercialism in medicine and health care systems, racist bias of the population control policy and the manifestation of patriarchal power (Wichterrich 1988). Sex choice can be another way of oppressing women. Under the guise of choice we may indeed exacerbate womens oppression. The feminists assert; survival of women is at stake. Outreach and popularity of sex pre-selection tests may be even greater than those of sex determination tests, since the former does not involve ethical issues related to abortion. Even anti - abortionists would use this method. Dr. Ronald Ericsson, who has a chain of clinics conducting sex preselection tests in 46 countries in Europe, America, Asia and Latin America, announced in his hand out that out of 263 couples who approached him for begetting offsprings, 248 selected boys and 15 selected girls (Patel 2003). This shows that the preference for males is not limited to the Third World Countries like India but is virtually universal. In Ericssons method, no abortion or apparent violence is involved. Even so, it could lead to violent social disaster over the long term. Although scientists and medical professionals deny all

responsibilities for the social consequences of sex selection as well as the SD tests, the reality shatters the myth of the value neutrality of science and technology. Hence we need to link science and technology with socio-economic and cultural reality (Holmes & Hoskins, 1984). The class, racist and sexiest biases of the ruling elites have crossed all boundaries of human dignity and decency by making savage use of science. Even in China, after 55 years of revolution, socialist reconstruction and the latest, rapid capitalist development SD and SP tests for femicide have gained ground after the Chinese governments adoption of the one-child family policy (Junhong 2001). Many Chinese couples in rural areas do not agree to the one child policy but due to state repression they, while sulking, accept it provided the child is male. This shows how adaptive the system of patriarchy and male supremacy is. It can establish and strengthen its roots in all kinds of social structures- precapitalist, capitalist and even post-capitalist - if not challenged consistently (Patel 1984). As per UNDP report of 1996, eighty countries had adverse sex ratio leading to deficit of women.

To be continued
Dr. Vibhuti Patel is DIRECTOR of the PGSR and Professor & Head, Department of Economics, SNDT Womens University, Churchgate, Mumbai-400020. vibhuti.np@gmail.com, Ph: -91-022-22052970 (O), 26770227 , mobile-9321040048

PAGE 6

NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

Cornerstone, Chennai Consultation on Landlessness

Kala, Kuwait

Solidarity in the struggles for land

Representative of Peoples Movements & NGOs from the four southern states of India, assembled at Nagercoil, Tamilnadu on 2 and 3 Nov. to discuss and deliberate on the grave issue of landlessness. Against the background of the neo-liberal economic policies and strengthening of casteist forces the Cornerstone, Chennai, the organisers of the assemably decided to facilitate an interface of these communities to come together and sort out their inner contradictions and get together on the one issue of the land. Since 1990s, there has been a glaring convergence between the liberal economic order and the casteist forces that unleash its venom to marginalize the Coastal Communities, Adivasis and Dalits from their life sustaining and living spaces. These are the communities who have been staying there for centuries and contributing their labour for sustenance and survival of all the people of the country. It is a paradox and irony that they are being displaced, dislocated and deprived from their livelihood and identity. An initial presentation clarifying the need and necessity of the interface of the affected victims, was made by Prof. John M. Itty from the Vichara School of Peoples Economics. Dr. John Mohan Razu (Bangalore), Rev. Jacob Belly (Coimbatore), Ms. Sundaroli Sundaram, Mr Vinaykumar (Hyderabad), Mr Swamidoss (Adoni), Rev. Chandra Mohan and Dr. Richard Devadoss from Cornerstone presented papers. Then the participants were divided into different groups to discuss their plight and experiences. The participants observed that the ruling class and the upper castes are determined to disempower and disembody the vulnerable communities by forcing them out of their land. They pointed out the failure of the successive Governments and their public policies. Based on the experiential narratives, more clarifications were given connecting different issues to the land. Dr Suresh Kani and Fr Jose from Villupram facilitated the sharing of grass root experiences. On the second day, the movement leaders presented reports on their actions in response to the present crisis of growing landlessness. It became abundantly clear that the dominant communities employ all sorts of dubious means and methods to uproot these communities from their place of origin. In such a context, the participants unanimously decided that a platform of this nature would serve their cause. They resolved that all the toiling communities should come together and express solidarity in the struggles for land and for reclaiming their rights over the land. It was also resolved that similar consultations should be conducted in the other South Indian states.

Enact Comprehensive Indian Emigration Law

Kala, Kuwait, organized a seminar in the United Indian School Auditorium at Abbassiya, on 27 October. The seminar pointed out that a comprehensive emigration law was required in the Indian sector. The law should protect the basic constitutional rights of every Indian in the gulf region. The law should also ensure the security of low income groups The seminar demanded that the recruitment agencies be controlled by law and that Gulf Indians be represented in the Indian Parliament. The speakers said that the Indian emigration act approved by the Parliament in the year 1983 needed amendments, alterations and additions. Mr. Thomas Mathew Kadavil (Kala), Adv. M.K. Sumod (Indian Lawyers Forum), Mr. Jacob Channapetta (Congress) and Abdul Fathah Thayil (KKMA) spoke at the seminar. Poetess Bessy Kadavil released the new edition Kaithiri Mr. Sam Pynummoodu presided over the meeting. Kala joint secretary Mr. Saji Thomas Mathew welcomed the gathering and Mr. J. Saji proposed the vote of thanks. Reported by Hikmath T. V, Kuwait

Cornerstone Team

SCMIs Call for Solidarity in support of Ms. Irome Sharmila

Repeal the draconian AFPSA

>>> Contd. from Page 1 Col 2 The Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) has been committed to be in solidarity with Ms. Irome Sharmila. In the past we organised several documentaries on the struggle of Sharmila, led a signature campaign in support of her cause, joined other community organisations in support of Sharmila. We have been working to bring awareness about the struggle of Sharmila to the student friends. On this 11 th anniversary of Ms. Irome Sharmilas fast unto justice, we the SCMI call on all our friends to extend their whole hearted support to her and demand along with her to repeal the AFPSA immediately. We also are shocked at the no coverage attitudes by the media to her struggle for justice, and call on the media to continuously bring to light the repercussions of this draconian AFPSA law to express their unstinted commitment to human rights. We call on our student friends to write to the government to repeal the law. An SMS campaign has been on in this direction, and we seek your support and solidarity in this effort. On the All Souls Day, several friends remember the lives of their dear ones at their tombs and graves, but the challenge for us is to remember and accompany the lonely soul Ms. Irome Sharmila, who is fighting on behalf of the innocent people who are sent to their graves unjustly, for her fight is a fight for the cause of life and justice, a fight against the forces of the state and of the reigning powers.

ENI EYE

Interfaith Tokyo symposium explores attitudes toward suicide

An interfaith symposium held in Tokyo on 29 October explored the attitudes of Japanese religious communities to suicide, including whether the term should be changed to voluntary death. Sponsored by the Catholic B i s h o p s Conferences in Japan, the conference considered a trend toward using the Japanese term jishi, meaning voluntary death instead of jisatsu, or killing oneself. Many people, including bereaved family members, now prefer using jishi. The meetings official title was The Mission of Religionists on Voluntary Death. One of four panellists, Wataru Kaya, a Japanese Shinto priest and psychiatrist, emphasized the importance of prayers and compassion for those who die voluntarily, based on Japanese traditional cultures. Hiroshi Saito, who heads the study office of the Institute of the Doctrine of Oomoto, a Sectarian Shinto sect since 1892, noted that Oomotos canon says, Suicide is a sin among sins. He warned, By using the term voluntary death, I am afraid that a sense of sin for committing suicide can be unconsciously weakened. Japan has one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries, according to the WHO. Hisashi Yukimoto, ENI

Ms. Irome Sharmila, We pledge to be with you till justice is achieved and dignity of life is affirmed.

From Sharmila
When life comes to its end You, please, transport My lifeless body Place it on the soil of Father Koubru To reduce my dead body To cinders amidst the flames Chopping it with axe and spade Fills my mind with revulsion The outer cover is sure to dry out Let it rot under the ground Let it be of some use to future generations Let it transform into ore in the mine Ill spread the fragrance of peace From Kanglei, my birthplace In the ages to come It will spread all over the world. Raj Bharath Patta, General Secretary, SCMI

Sustainable peace through womens participation

>>> Contd. from Page 2 Col 4 productivity is twenty to thirty percent lower. Giving the same input that male counterparts receive and helping to close the yield gap is projected to increase the agricultural GDP sufficiently to feed an additional 150 million hungry people in the world and to reduce global hunger by 12-17 %. Give women their security and respect bring dignity to society: Only in a world where women are in the forefront in the community, accorded dignity, equity and respect, can there be true justice and development: This would be a world in which women are secure from aggression, have access to all the resources and where women have access to make decisions on par with men. Only through womens full and equal participation, in all areas of public and private life, can we hope to achieve a sustainable, peaceful and just society. Male domination has taken its bitter toll on human society. Unfortunately religions have also reinforced the marginalisation and neglect of girls and women in society. We have to aspire and work for a world where women can help religious communities reflect their faith and values in a just and holistic manner. Communities of faith and their leadership have a moral and sacred duty to envision and work for a just world where the integrity, dignity, life and health of every girl and woman is nurtured and upheld in society.

NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

PAGE 7

ALONG WITH HIM

The greatest commandment - 2

219
Mammen Varkey

Re-ordering, by a subverter of the Law

he was genuinely searching for the re-ordering of the laws and for re-prioritization of the religious tenets dominant during that time.

And one of the Scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, Which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. And after that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12: 28-34

Of crucial implications in this world

The most striking thing about the scribes inquiry is that he was seeking the re-ordering or reprioritization of the commandments not from an acknowledged authority of the Law. Nor from a venerated religious head. The scribe who was one not far from the kingdom of God, sought the answer from a subverter of Law. Yes, not from a recognized and reputed exponent of Law but from a subverter of Law! The one who was branded as a subverter of Law and one who was sought to be eliminated for blatant violation of the Law was asked

to bring out the essence of the Law! It has some crucial implications in a world of blind followers of religious tenets and of status quoist religious practitioners.

An occasion to re-define the essential purpose of religion

It must also be noted that on the part of the Master, he did not hesitate to face the scribe whether he was a genuine inquirer or not, whether he was sent by the scribes and the Pharisees to entrap him or not. Mark 12: 13. He dared to re-order or re-prioritize the Law that contained, according to some sources, 365 prohibitions and 248 positive commands. It was seen by Jesus as a great opportunity to re-prioritize the 613 laws. In fact, it must be seen as an occasion when Jesus redefined the basic purpose of religion.

A call to reject the prioritization of the priests

In a world where the status qouist religious interpreters galore, it is a matter of much significance. Jesus reply should also be seen as a call to reject the way the Priests and the Pharisees held and interpreted the Law and prioritized them. In that sense, this question must also be put in the same category of the question as the one he was asked earlier, Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?. Mark 12:14.

Inquirer, not far from the Kingdom of God

On hearing Jesus answer, the scribe who went to the Master asking, Which commandment is the first of all?... said to him, You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there

is no other but he;.... Mark 12: 33. The wise response of the scribe made Jesus to say, You are not far from the kingdom of God. Through this statement Jesus was acknowledging the genuine nature of the inquiry of the scribe. So, according to Mark, at least, the scribe is an authentic inquirer. It means that

To be continued

Police Shooting at Paramakkudi

Various types of anti-Dalit plans

>>> Contd. from Page 4 Col 5 their allied caste groups have assiduously built up their social capital through their presence in cinema, in local administration, and in political parties. They affirm that from the beginning of the Dravidian parties, and now under the present Chief Minister J.Jeyalalitha, the State Government has chosen to patronize the Thevar community leaders in the southern districts so that they reaffirm their caste authority and hegemony by taunting, insulting and inflicting violence on Dalits who dare to defy their diktats. Political support in fact has earned Thevars an impunity that is explained away in terms of their so-called primeval will to acts of violent anger. It is not surprising that the memory of Immanuel Sekaran serves to haunt and anger all those determined to counter Dalit militancy. So far 11 fact finding reports have been conducted excluding the recent Public Inquest conducted by Peoples watch. All of them affirm that the firing was entirely unprovoked. Chandra Bose, a senior Dalit leader in the region who was present in Paramakudi in fact attempted to counsel the police into not doing anything rash, but all his imprecations were ignored, and simultaneously, as it were, the police resorted to lathi charging and shooting this fact has been fudged by the police who claim that they shot at the gathering only when all other attempts to quell the crowd had failed. Further, teargas was not used, and the mechanism for using it remained untouched. The police argue that their officers shot in self-defence, because the crowd of Dalits had resorted to stone-throwing. Again, on the evidence of Chandra Bose and others who have spoken to various factfinding teams, it appears that the stone-throwing started after the shooting and not before. Sociologists analyze the reasons behind the shooting. 1. Caste elements operating inside the Governments want that all successive State Governments in Tamilnadu should have the Thevar and dominant caste perspective and actions at the expense of Dalits. 2. The State Government has been taken aback by the unexpected show of solidarity cutting across castes and faiths that has mobilized hundreds of young Tamils to protest the death penalty awarded to Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan, condemned in the murder of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and hence plotted to divide the Tamils under caste lines, as they know that Tamils have strong allegiance to caste irrespective of left or right political affiliation, progressive ideologies and religion. 3. The present Chief Minister who is for Thevar unity does not want the emergence of Dalit political aspirations and hence justified the act of police excess, 4. The anger of Dalits over the continued neglect and their non-recognition in economics and politics compared to their neighbours the Thevars and dominant castes have mounted against the ruling Government, 5. Their consideration of the Police as hand tools of Thevars. The Dalit Resource Centre of the Tamilnadu Theological Seminary has conducted a fact finding. Their faculty and students visited the spot and comforted the victimized. Besides them, from the protestant side, neither the local CSI Diocese nor the TELC has issued any statements condemning the police atrocities. Perhaps the leaders would have felt concerned over the incident, but unfortunately they are over grossed with their own internal caste issues which torment them each day, making some of among them powerful and some powerless. But the fact remains that South Tamilnadu is reeling under the caste polarization of Dalits and dominant castes. While human rights organizations continue to expose the various forms of untouchability and anti-Dalit plans of the dominant castes, both within the Governments and outside the Governments, both within the Church and outside the church, caste minded people are relentlessly working in solidarity with each other to ensure that the Dalits and Dalit Christians should not gain dignity. Rev.S.Chandra Mohan, is a Development Consultant based at Chennai, 9884013137; Email: revchandramohans@gmail.com

UN experts criticize China crackdown on Buddhist monks

Human rights e x p e r t s appointed by the U.N. on 1 November called on China to stop repressive m e a s u r e s against Tibetan Buddhist monks, including arrests and enforced disappearance. Security forces using riot gear, automatic rifles and trucks have been deployed at the Kirti monastery, which houses some 2,500 monks, and other monasteries in Aba County, an area of Sichuan province, the experts said. The monks have protested Chinese rule of Tibet. The U.N. experts said Chinese authorities have carried out security raids and surveillance within monasteries to monitor religious activities. Intimidation of the lay monastic community must be avoided, and the right of members of the monastic community and the wider community to practice their religion, should be fully respected and guaranteed by the Chinese government, said U.N. special representative. Nine monks and one nun have reportedly self-immolated since March in the province in support of religious freedom, according to Free-Tibet advocacy groups. John Zarocostas, ENI

MERIT. IT makes you MERRY!

PAGE 8

NOVEMBER 10 25, 2011

A delegation of NCCI, CBCI and NCDC meets Sonia Gandhi

A five member delegation representing the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC) met the United Progressive Alliance chair person and the Congress president Ms. Sonia Gandhi on 1 November at her residence, 10 Janpath in New Delhi. The delegation presented a memorandum to her on the Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims. It brought to her knowledge, the continuous delay of the Government of India in responding to the Supreme Court case in 2004. The delegation also urged her to accept the recommendation of Rangnath Mishra Commission Report of deleting paragraph three of 1950 Presidential Order. It was pointed out that Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims are discriminated because of their religious identity and the reservation benefit should not be based on religion. The UPA Chairperson assured that she would go through the memorandum carefully and consider the issues raised by the delegation. The delegation consisted of Mr. Samuel Jayakumar, Executive Secretary of the NCCI for Commission on Policy, Governance and Public Witness, Fr. Cosmon Arokiaraj, Secretary of the CBCI Commission for SC/BC, Mr. Franklin Caesar, National Coordinator of National Council of Dalit Christians, Fr. Selva Director of Dalit Unit, Indian Social Institute and Mr. Raju, the Administrative Officer of NCCI Office in Delhi. Reported by Samuel Jayakumar

BEHIND THE FACADE

In the past, the workers were the oppressed; now, the 99 percent are
plural class consisting largely of the haves, the white collar professionals , the efficient, the hard working and the intelligent. Who are their oppressors? Why did they become subject to oppression? Their oppressors are neither the landlords nor the industrial capitalists. People marching in the Wall street say that the greedy bankers assisted by the experts and the government are the oppressors of the 99 per cent. The greedy bankers are the lords of Finance Capitalism that promise prosperity to all without physical labour. It is true that, Finance Capitalism made so many people immensely wealthy in the twinkling of an eye. All the people across the world who got fascinated by this welcomed the new system tagged with different labels: neoliberalism, globalization etc. But, the blessings of the new system proved to be short lived. Because, while creating immense wealth, it helped the one per cent suck the blood of the remaining. Therefore, the economy crashed in August 2008 in the US, the citadel of prosperity. The managers of the economy affirmed their ability to save the system and promised quick recovery. But, the economy sank deeper again in September 2011. It is only then people realized that this is a system working for the benefit of the one per cent and against the 99 per cent. Although the present system enriches 10 to 20 per cent at the expense of 80 to 90 per cent, coining the name for the neoliberal oppressed - the 99 per cent- is very significant. It must be noted that it is in the US and the Western Europe that more people are driven to the group of the 99 per cent . Compared to India, only a tiny fraction of the people in these countries were homeless and jobless. But now, all on a sudden, millions of people in these countries turned not only homeless and jobless , but also lost their investments, pension and social security coverage, which they could never imagine. The people of India cannot imagine the gravity of such a situation. It is a matter of relief that compared to the advanced countries, the number of the victims of the success of Finance Capitalism/ Neoliberal policy in India is much less. As a result of the determined and consistent efforts of our ruling class to impose neoliberal policies - privatization of the economy, especially the banking sector, full convertibility of our currency , the policy of driving the people away from the farming sector etc. we could force only 2.57 lakh farmers to commit suicide during the last 16 years and depress jobs in the organized sector. But, the declaration of our rulers that they are determined to complete the half-finished neoliberal policy is an indication of speeding up the process of creating the 99 per cent in India too. They need not be afraid of the 99 per cent. Because, in a plutocracy, one per cent constitutes the majority!

JOHN M. ITTY
Under feudalism, tenants were the oppressed section in society, and therefore, they were asked to unite and fight against the landlords. When Industrial Capitalism emerged, industrial workers became the oppressed class, and they joined together to fight against the capitalists. Now, the call is to a different group: the 99 per cent of the world. They are asked to get united and fight against the system that helps the one per cent. This is interesting. The oppressed are changing! In the two previous stages, the oppressed were singular groups : the have-notes and the menial workers. People with noble professions looked down upon them , and cited low birth, illiteracy, inefficiency and laziness as the reasons for their miserable life. They also boasted that the superior economic position they enjoy, acquired by their hard work, intelligence and efficiency cannot be shaken by any system. But, to the surprise of all, now, this efficient haves face misery which they could never imagine. To many it is surprising that, this newly oppressed class resorted to street protests , first in the US. They claim that they constitute 99 per cent of the population. That may be en exaggeration. There is no authentic statistics about this. But, undoubtedly, they constitute between 80 to 90 per cent of the population in all countries. Who are the newly oppressed ? They are not the peasants.; because, there is no such a class in the US. Neither are they industrial workers alone; because, as a country becomes advanced, the proportion of these classes shrinks. It is a

WCC appoints new programme executive for inter-religious dialogue

The World Council of Churches (WCC), has appointed Dr. Clare Amos of the Church of England as the new WCC programme executive for inter-religious dialogue and cooperation. Dr. Amos, who joined the WCC this fall, specialized in theology at the University of Cambridge and Ecole Biblique et Archeologique Francaise in Jerusalem, after which she spent more than ten Dr. Clare Amos years in Jerusalem and Lebanon where she was deeply involved with interfaith concerns and theological education. She has authored several books on biblical studies, interfaith relations and spirituality. In the Middle East one cannot ignore the dimensions of other faiths. We were confronted by the challenges of how to read the New Testament given the influence of Christianitys relationship with Judaism, while not ignoring how the Hebrew scriptures were used to justify political actions of the modern Israeli government, which affected the lives of Christians and Muslims in the holy land, says Amos. WCC News

Editor in Chief Mammen Varkey Editorial Office Peoples Reporter, Post Box No.12, Mavelikara - 690 101 Kerala, India Phone : 0479 - 2304355 e-mail : mammenv@sancharnet.in Subscription to Business Manager Peoples Reporter G-1, Sujatha Niwas S.V.Road, Bandra (West) Mumbai - 400 050 Phone : 022 - 26422343 e-mail : peoplesreporter@vsnl.net Printed and Published by M. Philip Padachira for and on behalf of New Education and Welfare Service Trust, G-1, Sujatha Niwas S.V.Road, Bandra (West) Mumbai - 400 050, India at Anita Art Printers, Mumbai - 400 055 Phone : 022 - 26652970 26652978

Released

In The Land of Jesus

India Peace Centre, Nagpur

Vacancy
India Peace Centre, Nagpur, is an inter-religious institution facilitating Peace leadership in thought and action through study, publications and programmes. The Centre needs a Director from February 01, 2012. The Director is expected to provide leadership in addressing concerns such as Ecology, Disarmament, Nuclear Issues, Justice, Peace. The salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience. The Director will be provided furnished accommodation. Interested candidates should send their application with CV by November 21, 2011, to the Chairperson, India Peace Centre, C/O NCCI, Christian Council Campus, Post Bag No # 205, Civil Lines, Nagpur 440 001, Maharashtra. An advance copy of the application should be sent by email: <ncci@nccindia.in> Chairperson, India Peace Centre

This book is about the authors first visit to Israel. The author shares with the reader information about the sequence of the events that took place during the days of Jesus life on earth and their relevance in todays world. This travel report, which is supported by biblical references, is also meant to be a Biblestudy tool. A Travelogue

Roy Chicago
Publishers: ISPCK, Delhi, Website: www.ispck.org.in Price: Rs. 150/-

The views expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the editors.