Methodist Church supports ecumenical day of prayer for Pakistan
-07/08/06
The Methodist
Methodist Church supports ecumenical day of prayer for Pakistan
-07/08/06
The Methodist Church in Britain was among the many Christian bodies who took part in a day of prayer for Pakistan on 6 August 2006. The day of prayer was organised by the Pakistan Asian Christian Welfare Association in Bradford as a way of galvanising practical concern for their homeland.
In particular, the day was a response to attacks on Christians and churches in Pakistan, but the organisers say they want people also to focus on a wider range of concerns. The day of prayer drew wide support from local and national churches and Christian organisations and the organisers believe it will have a positive ongoing impact.
The Rev Peter Whittaker, Chair of the Methodist West Yorkshire District, was one of the local church leaders backing the event. ìAn important minority group with whom we work more and more in the West Yorkshire District are Christians of Pakistani heritage,î Whittaker said.
He added: ì[These people] need our prayer support as they search for their identity in this society and as they seek to support other Christians in Pakistan who are often under pressure, suffering discrimination and even persecution.î
Dr Elizabeth Harris, Methodist Secretary for Inter Faith Relations, commented ìThis day of prayer is important in highlighting the discrimination faced by Christians in Pakistan. But many of the things Christians will [continue to] pray for, such as harmony between faiths, political stability and freedom from terrorism, would benefit all Pakistanis. As Methodists, we are committed to praying for and supporting Christians wherever they suffer.î
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has visited Pakistan recently and highlighted concerns about civil rights and religious freedom for all communities.
Methodist Church supports ecumenical day of prayer for Pakistan
-07/08/06
The Methodist Church in Britain was among the many Christian bodies who took part in a day of prayer for Pakistan on 6 August 2006. The day of prayer was organised by the Pakistan Asian Christian Welfare Association in Bradford as a way of galvanising practical concern for their homeland.
In particular, the day was a response to attacks on Christians and churches in Pakistan, but the organisers say they want people also to focus on a wider range of concerns. The day of prayer drew wide support from local and national churches and Christian organisations and the organisers believe it will have a positive ongoing impact.
The Rev Peter Whittaker, Chair of the Methodist West Yorkshire District, was one of the local church leaders backing the event. ìAn important minority group with whom we work more and more in the West Yorkshire District are Christians of Pakistani heritage,î Whittaker said.
He added: ì[These people] need our prayer support as they search for their identity in this society and as they seek to support other Christians in Pakistan who are often under pressure, suffering discrimination and even persecution.î
Dr Elizabeth Harris, Methodist Secretary for Inter Faith Relations, commented ìThis day of prayer is important in highlighting the discrimination faced by Christians in Pakistan. But many of the things Christians will [continue to] pray for, such as harmony between faiths, political stability and freedom from terrorism, would benefit all Pakistanis. As Methodists, we are committed to praying for and supporting Christians wherever they suffer.î
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has visited Pakistan recently and highlighted concerns about civil rights and religious freedom for all communities.