Date:                March 16, 2007

India (MNN) -- Dalit Christians have been handed a huge setback. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes rejected the demand for affirmative-action benefits for Dalit Christians and Muslims. Speaking Gospel for Asia KP Yohannan says this is a huge setback, but he's hopeful. "There is still a lot of talk, a lot of articles, people are talking about it. These people deserve to have the privileges guaranteed by the constitution. So, I think this will be picked up again." Yohannan says this decision isn't going to stop Dalits from turning to Christ. He says it makes their conversion even more incredible. "In many places these people are coming to Christ knowing that they are going to be losing their privileges. They may not be able to send their kids for higher education, which they were able to do almost free. But, I'm telling you knowing Christ and really encouraging new life changes everything." The case is still pending before the Supreme Court. And, for the first time a Dalit sits on the bench.

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