Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Karachi (Agenzia Fides) - "The Church of Jerusalem" in Karachi is a Protestant Christian community which includes about 300 families. As Fides learns, community members have been receiving threats because they have to renounce church property. Community members were approached by shady people and were asked to leave the church and never to return. Pastor Ilyas Masih confirmed that there have been numerous warnings. According to Christians, there are local criminals known for their violence and illegal methods behind the threats, who want to speculate on other people's property.
"We have already received warnings not to play musical instruments during the liturgy, and to stop the girls who sing in the choir", said pastor Ilyas. "Our faithful are warned not to attend church". The Pastor filed a complaint to the local police calling for major protection. A local lawyer told Fides that "also this case confirms the abuse made on Pakistani Christians citizens, that the state has a duty to defend". Also "the instrumental use of the law of blasphemy is wielded as a sword to hit any innocent person".
"As Christian citizens we have trust in the police and institutions", confirms to Fides Fr. Mario Rodrigues, Director of the Youth Committee in the Archdiocese of Karachi. "Incidents related to the abuse of the blasphemy law are still frequent and Christians often pay the price. The draft reform to correct such abuses would be a good step on behalf of the government", he concludes (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/06/2015)
