29 September 2012
To: CCA Member Churches and Council in Pakistan
1.Church of Pakistan
2.Presbyterian Church of Pakistan
3.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 about 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 on the incident in Mardan, a city near Peshawar, when a 75 year old church was burnt and properties belonging 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 in Pakistan, 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,
Sincerely yours,
Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
cc: Member Churches and Councils General Committee Member
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