Journal
of Catholic Social Thought
Volume 3
Number 1
Winter - 2006
Racism and Caste:
Catholic Social Thought and the Asian Context
Peter Phan
Georgetown
University
This lecture will
first analyze the roots of the caste system as it has been practiced in
Asia, and its impact on racism. Then it will expound recent theological
attempts by “dalit” and tribal theologians to overcome the racist/caste
social system. Finally, the social teaching of the Catholic Church,
especially that of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, will be
brought to bear on this ethical issue.
