13 September 2012
Partners in Pakistan thank Church for supporting Pakistani Christian girl
The Methodist Church in Britain has received messages of thanks
from partner churches in Pakistan in appreciation of people's
support for Rimsha Masih who was released from a Pakistani prison
earlier this week following accusations of blasphemy.
The Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist
Church in Britain, said: "We welcome Rimsha's release and hope that
all charges will now be dropped. We have noted with concern that
the blasphemy laws seem to have become a tool for religious
intolerance and that they are also being widely misused. We are
meeting with representatives from the Christian and Muslim faith
communities in Geneva next week to discuss how we can support
people in Pakistan wanting to address the misuse of the blasphemy
laws."
A spokesperson for a partner organisation in Pakistan said: "Thank
God that the prayers for the release of Rimsha were heard. But
there are still dangerous implications for the future for the life
of Rimsha, her family and other Christians from the locality. This
is an initial battle won, though with many more battles ahead. The
Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement in Lahore is
grateful to all of you for being with the Christian community in
Pakistan through prayers and moral support."