Communities are a perennial reality. They do, however, undergo change and evolution both in their self-understanding and in the perception of others. Many factors and forces – internal and external, traditional and modern – contribute to the transformation of consciousness and modes of praxis of the various communities.When the legitimate consciousness and identity of communities are natured in hierarchical spirit of sought to be developed in opposition to other identities, and thencrop up serious problems. On the other hand, when they inter-relate in the spirit of mutuality and follow principles of equity and justice, we have the proper climate for the flourishing of every human person to the maximum of her potentiality. Community consciousness and identity, instead of being a stumbling block, will become a great resource and asset for the development of a true pluralistic society in our contemporary times. Moving towards such ideals require also the support of empirical studies and theorizing. The present volume wants to be a small contribution in this direction. The volume represents the fruit of the seminar organized by the Department of Christian Studies, University of Madras, in September, 2000.

George Thadathil SDB

George Thadathil SDB is presently the principal of Salesian College, Sonada-Siliguri, Darjeeling, affiliated to North Bengal University. He completed his doctorate from the School of Religion and Philosophy, University of Madras, making a study on Sri Narayana Guru Movement in Kerala. He was a Junior Fellow, Indian Council of Philosophical Research during the period 1998-2000 and is currently also the Head of the Department of Philosophy in the college where he works. He is also the president of the AIACHE and has won national and international recognition for his scholarship and academic innovation in Higher Education.

Felix Wilfred

Felix Wilfred is the Head of the Department of Christian Studies, University of Madras. He is on the editorial board of Concilium, an internationally renowned theologicaljournal(published in seven European Languages). He has been visiting professor in the Universities of Frankfurt, Muenster, Nijmegan, Atenco de Manila and Boston College, and has lectured at Harvard University. He also addressed the UNESCO conference on Religion and Culture of Peace. Wilfred has several books to his credit.