06 August 2009
Methodist leader 'appalled' at atrocities in Pakistan
Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church
in Britain, has expressed deep concern over violence against
Christians in Pakistan.
Over the last week in Pakistan many acts of violence have been
committed against Christians, including the burning of 47 homes in
the village of Korian and 100 homes in Gojra City. More than 290
families have been made homeless and at least nine people have died
in the violence, which has arisen as a result of religious tensions
between Christians and Muslims.
Martyn said: "I am appalled at the atrocities that have taken place
in recent days in Pakistan. People of all faiths have been deeply
troubled by these acts, which represent personal disaster for very
many families who have lost relatives, homes and livelihoods. It
casts a shadow on all people of faith, both Muslim and Christian,
who know that such violence should never be a part of religious
life.
"I welcome the care and compassion shown by many Muslims to their
Christian neighbours, taking them into their homes for safety and
making efforts to rebuild peace in the communities."
The Methodist Church in Britain has made an initial solidarity
grant of £10,000 through Church World Service to provide emergency
relief supplies such as food and shelter.
Martyn joined with Revd Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the
World Council of Churches, in calling on the Pakistani government
to take action to stem the violence. He said: "These recent riots
are a matter of serious concern and it is the responsibility of the
State to provide security to all its citizens and to call on all
people of faith - especially local and national leaders - to focus
their efforts on building peace rather than seeking reasons for
further disunity.
"Our message is clear: acts of violence targeted at a religious
minority are always wrong. When they do occur they must be
investigated diligently and the perpetrators must be brought to
justice."
Martyn also called on Christians to pray for the Church in Pakistan
over the coming weeks and commended the following prayer for use in
churches and prayer meetings:
Merciful God, Whose loving heart yearns for peace and justice to
flow freely in all communities, Be with all the people of Korian
and Gojra in these difficult times, May those who have lost
relatives and friends be comforted, Those who have lost their homes
be sheltered, Those who have lost hope find peace. We pray for
faith leaders, both Christian and Muslim, and for national leaders
in Pakistan and in Europe May they work consistently for peace and
keep justice constantly in view. We pray for ourselves, that we may
play our part in expressing your love for the whole of creation in
all we do and say this day. Amen.