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Christian Conference of Asia
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Letter of Solidarity to the CCA Member Churches in Pakistan
August 25, 2012
To
The Member
Churches and
National Council of Churches in Pakistan
Greetings of
Peace!
It is with great shock and disbelief
that we received the news about Rimsha, a Christian girl with Down syndrome, in
Pakistan, who may be punished by death after she was seen holding burning pages
of the Quran. We are also dismayed that she has been arrested under the
blasphemy law in Pakistan, which states that defaming Islam is a capital
offence. The news reached us during the Asian Church Leaders Theological
Conference, convened by the CCA, at Hsinchu city in Taipei from 22 - 27 August
2012. All the 56 participants are equally distressed about this news, have
prayed with deep concern and convey feelings of solidarity to all the
Christians in Pakistan.
It is unfortunate that this incident has
been blown out of proportion by the public who have not taken the time or the
effort to consider the vulnerability and innocence of this helpless girl who is
now in a state of shock and to make matters worse is separated from her parents
who are also under protective custody, fearing the anger of the public. We also
view with concern the religious tensions that have forced Christians to
temporarily flee Mehrabad, the Islamabad neighborhood where Rimsha resides, and
the disruption it has caused in the lives of people.
While expressing our solidarity with
the churches in Pakistan and those who are always under the threat of the law
that hangs over them as a Damocles’ sword, we hope and pray for a review of
this draconian Blasphemy law that does not take into account the helplessness
of differently-abled children who are defenseless and unaware of any act of
theirs. We would urge the Church and Civil society to call for a revision of
not only the Blasphemy law but all such laws that discriminate and punish people
on the basis of religion and gender, so that democratic institutions remain
just and fair and can function without fear or favor. Please
let us know if we can do anything to be of assistance.
In solidarity and prayers,
Sincerely
Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
posted by communications on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 |
