ASIA/PAKISTAN-Christian schools reopen, between the anger of ordinary people and the risk of violence

Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - The Christian churches and schools have reopened and the pastoral and social activities of the Christian community in Pakistan have returned to a normal pace, though, after the death of Bin Laden, the public debate is heated and tension remains high in society. From Karachi Fr. Mario Rodriguez, National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Pakistan reports to Fides, "the faithful are prudent, we try to do each task with caution, while security measures are in front of the other Christian buildings." Serious risk of retaliation – observes the priest –are in Abbottabad, a city where Bin Laden was hiding. The local Christian community is on maximum alert and 150 Catholics of the parish dedicated to Saint Peter Canisius are still hiding in their homes.
In the Pakistani society, observes Fr. Rodrigues, "There are mixed feelings: part of public opinion and religious minorities have expressed satisfaction of the death of a terrorist leader; the more radical sectors express supreme disappointment. We hope there are no symbolic acts of revenge against minorities. "
"The common people - Fr. Bonnie Mendes, a priest from Faisalabad explains to Fides - express anger that could explode at any moment. There are several reasons: firstly, for many, Bin Laden was a hero; then the Pakistani government is criticized for having abdicated its sovereignty, leaving the field open to American special forces; also on the religious level, there is controversy and resentment for the hasty funeral and the absence of a tomb. " These problems, observes Fr. Mendes, "are added to the challenges faced daily by Christians and religious minorities in Pakistan, where they are victims of discrimination and violence." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 05/05/2011)