ASIA/PAKISTAN - Fear, prayers and public condemnation: life of Christians in Pakistan after the destruction of churches in Sangla Hill

Tuesday, 15 November 2005

Lahore (Fides Service) - Since Muslim fanatics attacked Christian buildings on November 12 “despite shock and trauma Christians in Sangla Hill are showing grate courage and dignity. Numerous Christians from all over the country have come to show their sympathy and solidarity bringing also concrete help of food and money as a form of support” said Bishop Joseph Coutts of Faisalabad. On November 12 a gang of at least 1,000 Muslim fanatics set fire to three churches, one Catholic and 2 Protestant, and other Christian structures in Sangla Hill, near Lahore.
The Christian community is mobilised at high level. The Archbishop of Lahore had a meeting with the chief minister of Punjab province to discuss the situation and requesting more guarantee of security and the arrest and punishment of those responsible because impunity would only lead to more violence.
The Bishops say those who instigate hatred and violence have not been arrested: the non Christian community says government compensation is not enough, it wants justice to ensure these episodes are not repeated. This is why 17 November has been declared day of prayer and protest: Christian schools will be closed for the day and Christians will hold two weeks mourning and prayers.
In a letter of protest to President Pervez Musharraf Christian leaders call for a serious investigation to find the perpetrators. The letter, signed also by Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore e President of the Bishops’ Conference makes explicit mention of certain maulvis Muslim leaders “who incited people with mosque megaphones” and stigmatises “terrible negligence” on the part of the police. The Christian leaders said the attack was not an emotional outburst, it was premeditated violence well organised and they call once again for the blasphemy law to be abolished.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2005 Righe: 26 Parole: 289)


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