Dalit Catholics in the Archdiocese

There has not taken place any scientific study in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly so far with regard to the Dalit Catholics; hence, the database about the Dalit Community is almost nil. A preliminary informal study conducted among them shows that the Dalits in the Archdiocese embraced Christianity since last 50 years. There are about 1500 Dalit Catholic families within the Archdiocese. A good number of families reconverted to their original caste due to various reasons especially on the ground of securing reservations and privileges from the government that are denied to the Dalits, converted to Christianity.

Livelihood of majority of Dalit household is casual labour and many are peasants by tradition. In general they are content in the religious status they are in and they comment least degree of discrimination from the non-dalits in parish community. The parishes see that there is enough representation from the Dalit community in the Parish Council and various committees of the parish and the Archdiocese. Dalit Catholic Mahajana Sabha is very vibrant in the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese has promoted the expansion and development of the organization in and through various programmes of social actions and has shared serious concerns for the welfare of the community through the organization.