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Apr 02, 2015

Peshwar Christians Bear Much on Road to Calvary

 

Since 2012, when the extremist elements--during a protest procession against the blasphemous cartoons publication by Western Media burnt St. Paul’s Sarhardi Church, Mardan--the Christian communities have been under constant attacks, threats and siege. These incidents have left a permanent scar on the memory and soul of the Christian community in Pakistan.

 

The worst of these incidents was the twin suicide bomb attacks on All Saint’s Church Peshawar, followed by many other incidents of burning Christian colonies, attacks on churches, extra judicial killings of Christians allegedly blamed for blasphemy, and burning Christians alive, etc.

 

The recent suicide bomb attacks on two churches at Youhanabad, Lahore resulted in peculiar developments following the attack. Two churches in the same vicinity were attacked simultaneously, leaving 17 dead and 70 badly injured. It is true that some planted persons behaved irrationally after the attack, but now the various political parties--along with some religious extremist groups and some non-state actors—have engaged in a personal vendetta against the Christian community of Youhanabad, Lahore.

 

So far, hundreds of Christians have been arrested and tried in various courts for the crimes they never committed. There are rumors that an extremist group extremist Kasur, Punjab and a similar group from Sargodha, Punjab are planning to attack Youhanabad, to avenge the death of two suspects who were present at the time of the bomb attacks at the churches.

 

In fact, this fire of hatred and vendetta started the very evening following the attacks on the churches. A large number of people from the majority community attacked Youhanabad. Army rangers were deployed to protect inhabitants of the Christian colony. The groups (from Punjab) wait like a wild animal in a jungle to attack their prey. These extremists know that the Rangers will not be there forever to protect the Christian community.

 

The truth of the matter is that the Christian community of Pakistan has always been, and will be vulnerable and defenseless. The worst threats have come from the Taliban who have openly threatened to blow-up the whole of Youhanabad. Many people have left their homes for more secure areas.

 

All of these threats, incidents of violence and targeted persecution dishearten the Christian community of Pakistan. But they have also served to strengthen the faith and refurbish the people’s commitment of faithfulness with Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Holy Week is on and in every Christian soul. Young and old feel the ‘pain and beyond’ borne by Jesus Christ for our sins on the Cross at Calvary. It teaches us to forgive and gives us a strength to bear the agonies of this world for His name’s sake.

 

The Christian community has experienced one tragedy after another for years and therefore has not been able to celebrate Christmas or Easter with the traditional pomp and ceremony. However, the true celebration comes from the heart, and the heart tells us that we are lucky to be Christians, and that our life in this region is a constant journey on the ‘Road to Calvary.’

 

The Rt. Rev. Humphrey Peters, Bishop of Peshawar