Top Pakistan bishop supports 'struggle' in Kashmir
Apr 6, 2007 - 12:37:46 PM
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The community has been subjected to harsh blasphemy laws under which any non-Muslim, accused of speaking or writing against Prophet Mohammed, or found desecrating an Islamic document or place of worship is punished severely, at times with death.
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By IANS,
[RxPG] Lahore, April 6 - Reverend Alexander John Malik, the bishop of Lahore and moderator of Church of Pakistan, has supported 'people struggling in Kashmir, Palestine and Iraq'.
He declared Good Friday as 'a fortunate day that symbolises the blessing of god for the people striving against unjust oppression', the Daily Times quoted him as saying Friday.
The bishop said death was not the end of struggle rather a milestone of success and that the 'sacrifices of the people in their struggle against any sort of injustice would be fruitful with the blessings of god'.
As Pakistan's largest minority community, Christians account for 2.5 percent of the population, or about 3.8 million people. Of these, over 1 million are Catholics, according to the Demographics of Pakistan. However, this number is debatable as the Catholic Church's birth records cite higher figures.
The community has been subjected to harsh blasphemy laws under which any non-Muslim, accused of speaking or writing against Prophet Mohammed, or found desecrating an Islamic document or place of worship is punished severely, at times with death.
Based in part on numerous incidents of religious persecution, Pakistan was recommended by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom - in May 2006 to be designated as a 'Country of Particular Concern' - by the Department of State.
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