Rev. Vincent Dienert, a pastor of the Arcot Lutheran Church in India. Photo: LWF/Johanan Celine Valeriano
As a pastor in the Arcot Lutheran Church, Rev. Vincent Dienert supports those facing discrimination, stigma and violence
(LWI) - The third of three children, Vincent Dienert was born to a pastor of the Evangelical Church of India (ECI) and was raised in Tirukovilur city in the Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu, India. His father passed away when Vincent was in the 7th grade, but before he died, he often encouraged his children to consider entering into the ordained ministry.
When the young Dienert went on to study at Loyola College in Chennai, he was impressed that the college supported many Dalit students in their studies. He felt a calling to do the same kind of outreach towards underprivileged children who would normally struggle to get a good education. Dienert is married to D. Deena, a physical education director in a school.
Tell us about your early life in Christian ministry
The Arcot Lutheran Church was active in my hometown, and with its support, I enrolled in theological education at the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary (TTS) in Madurai, which was known for its emphasis on social justice and work with the oppressed. While I was there, I had an opportunity to work with the transgender community which faces discrimination, stigma, and violence, often leading to poverty and marginalization. During my time, we organized several meetings to challenge these attitudes and build awareness of their human rights.
We also worked with members of the Dalit community, who belong to the lower strata of India’s traditional caste system, facing historical and ongoing social, economic, and educational marginalization. They were formerly referred to as ‘untouchables’ and have been the target of discrimination and violence. While ‘untouchability’ is now outlawed in India, the stigma associated with Dalit status persists. There are several streets specifically for Dalits in Madurai, where they are not allowed to wear slippers so that others can identify them. We set up a Dalit Resource Centre to enhance awareness of social justice and bring about reforms. At Christmas, we also distributed food to people in 20 slum areas.
Describe how you are working towards responsible theology in your context
I am currently working as pastor of the ALC Transfiguration Church in the Pondicherry district, under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Peter Paul Thomas. As a part of our ministry, we have raised funds to build a church and a guest house for the blind in Periababusamudram village of Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu.
We also work intensively with the transgender community. We now have a transgender person called Nachiyar working with us and we have donated 10 acres of land for use by the community. To empower them and help them find decent jobs, we organize training in income-generation skills. During the festival of Koovakam, we reach out to them. It is heartening to see that many are willing to be trained in skills development and that many of them have accepted Jesus.
Can you share a story where faith in action has brought real change?
When I was studying in TTS, during my third year, I worked with the Don Bosco Institute. As part of my practical work, we visited bus shelters and picked up children who were roaming about there. They were either abandoned, left home owing to abuse, or were children of single parents. The children were rehabilitated at the Center and given education and skill training. This was faith in action, and I believe God led me to work with them.
What is your message to the global church?
I want to enrich all people – Christian or otherwise – with God’s love and ensure that social justice is for everyone. The Gospel is for all, and we cannot differentiate. We take our example from Jesus, who washed the feet of his disciples and said we are here, not to be served, but to serve. We should stand with the oppressed, give them a voice and be a part of their struggles. On our part, although we are minorities in our country, we need to pray for others and work for their social upliftment. We trust that God will work behind the scenes.
