Britain prays for religious freedom in Pakistan
Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - The Pakistan Asian Christian Welfare Organization in Bradford has called for a day of prayer in churches around Britain on July 18 for the dramatic situation of religious freedom in Pakistan.
Christians face persecution in Pakistan at the hands of extremists, and also as a result of the misuse of the Blasphemy Laws. Since 1986, at least 79 Christians have faced blasphemy charges. At least 10 are currently awaiting trial. These include Pervez Masih, Anwar Kenneth and Augustine Ashiq 'Kingri' Masih. Many Muslims also suffer under the Blasphemy Laws. 289 have been charged since 1986, and 59 are currently awaiting trial.
In recent weeks at least three Christians in Pakistan have been killed. Samuel Masih, accused of blasphemy, was killed by a policeman while he was in hospital suffering from tuberculosis.
Javed Anjum was severely tortured by Maulvis (Mullahs) from a madrassa and died as a result of his injuries, and preacher George Masih was also killed.
In addition, Christians in Quetta, Baluchestan province, received threatening letters and one pastor was kidnapped and tortured, though he later escaped. In addition, several Christian women have been raped, including children.
The call means to remember in prayer all Christians, but particularly those facing Blasphemy charges; for the families of Samuel Masih, Javed Anjum and Georg Masih, for the reform or repeal of the Blasphemy Laws, for reform of the madrassas, and for an end to religious intolerance and violence in Pakistan.
Pray for judges and police as they exercise their authority in blasphemy cases. Pray too for President Musharraf, who has spoken up in favour of 'scrutiny' of the Blasphemy Laws and the Hudood Ordinances, and an end to so-called 'honour killings'.
Pray that the President will put his words into action, and will have wisdom, courage and protection in seeking to counter extremism and religious intolerance.
As the organizers of this call to prayer have said, "we pray especially for all the churches of Pakistan who provide hope and life for 10 million Christians in Pakistan."
The call has been endorsed by the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt. Rev. David James, the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt. Rev. Nigel Mc Cullouch, the former Bishop of Bradford, the Rt. Rev. David Smith, the Team Rector of Bradford, Rev. Canon George Moffat, Chair of the West Yorkshire Methodist District, Rev. Peter Whittaker, the Archdeacon of Craven Ven. Malcolm Grudy, and the Vicar-General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds, Monsignor Kieran Heskin. Several hundred churches across the UK have already pledged to support this in prayer.
I would like to appeal to you to involve all christians in this day of prayer. It need not involve a lot of work - all we are asking is that during your regular Sunday service, you pray specifically for Pakistan.
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