Vol. 26 No. 3, September 2007

In God's Image is an Asian Christian women's effort to provide a forum for expressing our reality, our struggles, our faith reflections and aspirations for change.

Editorial

This is the first issue of In God’s Image that especially focuses on Dalit women. The idea to focus on the plight of Dalit women in IGI was mooted by Aruna Gnanadason over an informal meal in Kuala Lumpur late last year. We are grateful to the Editorial Advisory Committee of AWRC for accepting this proposal and allowing us to work on this issue. The historical complexity of the issue of caste and its intricate intertwining with gender, Dalit women’s oppression and struggle, the recent assertion of Dalit women’s experience, identity and bodies, and the dilemmas faced by and in theologizing Dalits are some of the concerns addressed in this issue of IGI.

I would like to say a few words about the title of this issue. I use the term ‘haunts’ intentionally to mean two things. First, it is hoped that Dalit women’s theologizing will irk, worry, disturb and bother mainstream theology. It is meant to haunt all efforts at theologizing. Secondly, the term ‘haunts’ is used in terms of a meeting place, the stomping ground of all those who suffer pain and it is at the intersection of the lives of these women characterized by pain that theology is born. Dalit womanist/feminist theologizing is a call for self-identity and assertion. It is intensely personal in its expression. It is concerned with the life of all the subaltern, and deals out a stark brutality. These few articles offer only a glimpse of the pain, strength and perseverance that characterize Dalit women’s lives and their struggle for liberation and the faith that keeps them going. 

The collection in this issue comprises of research articles, case studies, faith reflections and interpretation of biblical texts written by Dalit women and men and non-Dalit women and men who are equally passionate and committed to the cause of the Dalit struggle. They are feminist/womanist activists, academicians and writers. It is hoped that these articles bring to focus neglected, suppressed or marginalized aspects of women’s experience, vision, language and reality which will force the community, the church and academia to refashion their tools and observe themselves critically. 

I am grateful for the help of many people: Mr. Paul Divakar, coordinator of the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR); Rev. D. Devamaher, pastor of Arcot Lutheran Church in Bangalore for providing the graphics; Ms. Annie Namala (project coordinator of the Indian Institute for Dalit Studies in New Delhi), Mr. John Roberts (head of the Development Team for the Southern Region, Child Rights and You, India) and Mr. Sudharak Olwe (founder/director, Photography Promotion Trust) for the pictures that have been included in this issue.

Guest Editor

Acknowledgement

When women meet for sharing and empowerment, they share their concerns, pain, struggles, dreams and joy. And when they do a lot of things could happen! The plan to have a special edition of In God’s Image on Dalit women came about in one such occasion. It was over an informal meal in Kuala Lumpur, attended by a group of women, that Dr. Aruna Gnanadason of the World Council of Churches suggested the idea of having a special issue of In God’s Image on Dalit women. Immediately, AWRC Coordinator Yong Ting Jin asked our very own member, Dr. Monica Jyotsna Melanchthon, who was also present, to serve as guest editor of the special issue. 

The Editorial Advisory Committee of AWRC is very grateful to Monica for her wonderful work as guest editor of this edition of In God’s Image. Monica has contributed to several editions of IGI and is a renowned speaker, lecturer and Bible study leader in the ecumenical circle. The committee also wishes to thank all the writers/contributors of this issue – our Dalit sisters and brothers, and those who are in solidarity with them – for sharing their stories, reflections, visions and hopes as and for Dalit women. May those of us in other parts of Asia and the world be worthy recipients of your stories by doing our share in actively promoting your concerns and supporting your right to fullness of life – a life in dignity! 

Publications Secretary

If articles listed in the table of contents interests you, and you would like to have a copy of this journal, please write to igi@awrc4ct.org.