ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses developments in the East Indian Christian community since their arrival in the Netherlands in order to provide greater understanding and perception of their situation in their new context. It initially provides an outline of the beginnings of the East Indian Christianity in Suriname itself. The number of East Indian Roman Catholics has declined more than that of the Evangelische Broedergemeente (EBG). On the other hand, the Pentecostal and Evangelical congregations, including those of Maasbach' have attracted 100300 members, of which a fair number have, however, subsequently left these congregations. Two distinct attitudes exist within Protestant circles with regard to the culture of their East Indian ancestors. Some of the Christians see the Christian lifestyle as something which is completely Western, and reject any element belonging to the culture of India. Finally, the power of secularization tendencies is strong, and many East Indian Christians are under great pressure to abandon their Christian faith completely.
