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Christian Conference of Asia
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29 September 2012
Letter of Solidarity
To:
CCA Member Churches and Council in Pakistan
Church of Pakistan Presbyterian Church of Pakistan National Council of Churches in Pakistan
Dear Friends,
It is with great shock and distress that we
read about the mounting religious tensions and conflicts in Pakistan. With more
and more incidents directed against churches and Christians, it is, to say the
least, very traumatic and life-threatening to the Christian community living
there. We, the CCA family assure you of our solidarity and constant support in
prayer and spirit, in these troubled times.
It is ironic that on the International Day of
Peace, when the world paused to think of peace and hope for a cessation of war and
conflict, protests against the film Innocence
of Muslims turned into large
scale arson across major cities of Pakistan and across Asia, reportedly resulting
in death and considerable loss to both
public and private property. We mourned with you and shared your grief at the incident in Mardan, a city near Peshawar, when a 75 year old church was burnt and properties attached to it
which includes a school, were damaged.
While condemning the insensitive and
derogatory film, we appeal for peace and understanding, and strongly call for
the realization of the truth that this film does not in any way reflect the
collective opinion of Christians all over the world.
It is of importance that we strongly affirm
and communicate that Christianity is a religion of peace and it is our collective
endeavor, as followers of Jesus Christ, to promote peace, justice and fellowship;
encourage respect for religions, languages and culture among people; and
believe that all people are born free.
Amidst the shocking incidents of violence
that is perpetrated on innocent Christians, let us stand in
solidarity with the victims around the world and in particular with
the Christians in Pakistan. Let us in one voice appeal to the Pakistani
Government to protect the religious institutions and religious minorities, as
the safety and welfare of citizens is undeniably a state responsibility.
Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!
Matthew 5:9
In prayers
Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
posted by communications on Saturday, September 29, 2012 |
