Changanassery: Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil has strongly asserted that denying civil rights in the name of religious belief constitutes a direct violation of India’s Constitution, which upholds secularism as one of its core principles. The Archbishop was addressing a public gathering after releasing the rules of the Dalit Catholic Mahajana Sabha (DCMS), recently approved by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC).
Speaking at the event, Archbishop Tharayil emphasized that no individual or community should be deprived of constitutional rights on religious grounds, warning that such discrimination undermines the secular fabric of the nation. “In a country founded on secularism, civil rights cannot be restricted or diluted in the name of religion. Every citizen must be guaranteed equal justice and dignity as enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.
The Archbishop highlighted that the newly codified DCMS rules mark a crucial step toward empowering Dalit Catholics and ensuring their rightful place in the social and ecclesial framework. He noted that the Church has a moral responsibility to stand with marginalized sections and address inequalities that persist within and beyond the faith community.
Presiding over the function, Bishop Geevarghese Mar Aprem, Chairman of the KCBC SC/ST/BC Commission, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to the social upliftment of Dalit Catholics. “Justice must not remain a slogan but become a lived reality for every believer,” he stated, stressing the need for continued advocacy and policy reforms that reflect inclusivity and equality.
The meeting brought together several diocesan and regional leaders who echoed the call for social justice, educational empowerment, and protection of rights for Dalit Catholics across Kerala. Commission Secretary underscored the importance of institutional support mechanisms to uplift marginalized faithful, while DCMS State President James Ilavunkal urged greater collaboration among dioceses to strengthen the organization’s grassroots presence.
The event underscored the Catholic Church’s continuing role as both a spiritual and social force in addressing systemic injustices faced by Dalit Catholics. The release of the DCMS rules signals a renewed commitment to creating equal opportunities in education, employment, and ecclesiastical representation, while fostering solidarity among all believers.
Archbishop Tharayil’s message resonated with a clear warning and a hopeful vision that any attempt to deny rights in the name of religion is not only morally unacceptable but also unconstitutional. His statement reflects the Church’s broader appeal for justice, equality, and the full realization of constitutional promises to India’s marginalized communities.