A London march is organised this Saturday by the British Pakistani Christian Association
18 December 2009
Pakistani Christians are marching to the
Pakistan embassy in London to call attention to injustices that have taken place against Christians in Pakistan, threatening the country's stability.
The peaceful march, organised by the British Pakistani Christian Association and supported by the South Asian Evangelical Alliance, is planned for Saturday 19December beginning at the Pakistan embassy at midday and progressing towards 10 Downing Street for 2 pm. Petitions will be submitted at both the Embassy and at Downing Street and speakers from a wide range of faith and ethnic backgrounds will make presentations.
Christian leaders from Pakistan and other South Asian communities are leading this march intended to pressure the Pakistan Government to bring to justice those who have attacked Christians and their properties over the past few months. The most notable attack was in Gojra, a small town north of Lahore, where at least 7 people were killed and 50 houses burned in a riot based on allegations of blasphemy.
Alex Chowdhry of the British Pakistani Christian Association said: "We are demonstrating to raise a voice for the persecuted victims in Pakistan. They are displaced, destitute and under constant threat.
"The Pakistan government must act swiftly and decisively against extremists who commit these attacks. We join the British Government's criticism of these incidents and seek further international pressure on the Government of Pakistan to act for justice and peace."
The British Pakistani Christian Association encourage people of any faith and none to join the protest in London and are urging the Pakistan Government to enforce the rule of law for all its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnic background, and to repeal the Blasphemy Law.
There are around 75,000 South Asian Christian Christians in the UK, representing the eight countries of South Asia and a range of languages and backgrounds. The newly formed South Asian Evangelical Alliance is supporting the protest.
Ram Gidoomal CBE, Chairman of the South Asian Evangelical Alliance, said: "Incidents like these are disturbing because they threaten the stability and well being of Pakistan
"We deplore what has happened and urge the Government of Pakistan to act for justice. And we call on the churches in the UK to join us in praying for the peace of Pakistan at a time like this."
An online petition to 10 Downing Street can be accessed at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Save-lives/
Media Contact:
Alex Chowdhry
British Pakistani Christian Association
07951 616793
Notes to editors:
The British Pakistani Christian Association is run by Alex and Wilson Chowdry and advocates on issues that affect Pakistani Christians. More about the protest can be found at http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2009/12/reminder-of-what-our-protest-is-about.html
Speakers on the day will include:
Cllr Alan Craig Peoples Christian Party (Newham)
MEP Jean Lambert
Dr Rai Sikh Human Rights Group
Alex Chowdhry British Pakistani Christian Association
Wilson Chowdhry British Pakistani Christian Association
Pastor Jimmy Robinson Potters House Christian Fellowship Romfod
Dr Peter David Gateway TV
The South Asian Evangelical Alliance is a new grouping within the UK's Evangelical Alliance, being set up to provide a forum for South Asian Christians in the UK to encourage, support and equip each other for mission, and to represent their concerns to Government, media and the wider Church. http://www.eauk.org/saea
There are around 75,000 South Asian Christian Christians in the
UK, representing the eight countries of South Asia and a range of languages and backgrounds.
As a 'minority within a minority' South Asian Christians need a voice to respond quickly and with unity to issues. For example pressure on Christians in Pakistan and the on-going fragility of the country, or the intense suffering caused by the divisions in Sri Lanka.
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