Dates of Interest
Pakistan Assassination
Published date: 2nd March 2011
The Presidents of the Christian Muslim Forum mourn the death of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan Minorities Minister, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time, and also with the people and politicians of Pakistan who face violence and threats of violence. We were encouraged by the work of Mr Bhatti, who spoke up so bravely on behalf of minorities in Pakistani society.
We applaud the efforts of all who seek to work for fairness, justice and peace in Pakistan while regretting that there are frequent attacks on members of religious minorities. We are also saddened that those who have worked to correct the abuse of blasphemy legislation have paid for peaceful and community-building efforts with their lives.
We ask politicians, community and religious leaders in Pakistan to use political and religious resources to do all that they can to reduce feelings of fear, prejudice and hatred by emphasising that Pakistan is one society made up of diverse groups which depends on building good relationships with all. We also ask for it to be made more widely known that the Prophet Muhammad, in his time, personally pledged the safety of Christians, and others, in Muslim society.
Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham (Co-Chair), Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra (Acting Co-Chair), Dr Nicholas Wood, Shaykh Abbas Ismail, Rt Revd Paul Hendricks, Rt Revd Donnett Thomas
