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Nov 22, 2016 | Kevin Thompson

Diocese of Peshawar Builds Ecumenical and Community Relationships

Christian leaders in Pakistan have turned to the community to help build bonds and foster greater awareness of the Christian faith in Pakistan. Recently, the Diocese of Peshawar hosted a coordination meeting with religious groups and local police to discuss ways to work together.

 

Deputy Superintendent of Police Kamal Hussain was present with members of the Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities to talk safety and partnership. Violence towards Christian groups in Pakistan has been all too common. In 2013, All Saints, Peshawar was the victim of a twin bombing that killed 127 people and left more than 250 injured.

 

On November 1, the Rt. Rev. Humphrey S. Peters, bishop of the Diocese of Peshawar presided over an All Saints Day ecumenical service of prayer and thanksgiving at St. John’s Cathedral. Leaders from the Anglican Orthodox Church and the Assemblies of God were on hand for the occasion. The Rt. Rev. Mano Rumal Shah, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Peshawar, was also there to help celebrate the birthday of the Church of Pakistan.

 

Recent visits from delegations from South Korea and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission helped to raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the Pakistani Christians and provide a means of partnership in mission.

 

The Diocese of Peshawar also recently helped organize the first ever Diocesan Science Fair that brought together teams from Peshawar and neighboring Nowshera, Mardan and Bannu to Elizabeth Girls High School. Judges awarded the top prize to the team from Pennell High School in Bannu.