News Brief

Pakistan government apologises for attacks on churches

-29/11/05

Christians in Pakistan have been offered a government apology over an attack by Muslim militants, in a gesture described as 'a hopeful sign' by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

Dr Williams has been on a tour of Pakistan and has asked the country's president, Pervez Musharraf, to review the country's controversial blasphemy laws.

On 12 November, Muslims torched three churches, two Catholic schools, pastor's houses, other homes and a convent in Sangla Hill - after alleging that a Christian had burned a copy of the Qur'an.

People who know the man say that he is illiterate, and the false rumour was started by spiteful neighbours.

Pakistani law decrees that desecration of the Qur'an is punishable by death. Christians say the law, which incorporates many other offences, is used to attack them and other minority groups.

At a seminar in Lahore last week, Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq offered an apology.

The Archbishop of Canterbury responded, 'I am encouraged that the problems caused by the operation of the blasphemy laws are being recognised.'

He continued, 'The apology is not only a reassurance but a clear sign that proper and fruitful dialogue between the minority and the Muslim communities can be developed.'
Christians in Pakistan now want to see more action by the government, police and army to protect them.

[Also on Ekklesia: New call to end Pakistan blasphemy law; Pakistan minority leaders condemn arson attacks on churches; Pakistani Christians join hunger strike for church building. And in Britain: Response to racial and religious hatred bill]