The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Pakistan this weekend to show support for its Christian community. During the three-day visit he prayed with Christians, listened to their experiences and offered comfort to those grieving in the wake of attacks. He also met with national leaders to raise the concerns of Christians and discuss protecting freedom of religion or belief for all people in Pakistan.
In a meeting in Islamabad on Monday with the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, the Archbishop informed Mr Khan of his visit yesterday to the city of Peshawar, where a priest from the Church of Pakistan was murdered in a terror attack in January. The Archbishop raised the issue of creating social cohesion and the importance of respecting people’s freedom of religion or belief, particularly in education systems.
During the meeting, the Archbishop also said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was both a tragedy and “an act of great moral evil”, and spoke of the need for urgent efforts to build peace.
Our world needs hope, resilience, faith, courage and a deep commitment to justice and peace. That’s why the Church of Pakistan is a gift to #Pakistan and the world.
I thank God for the way Pakistan’s Christians bear witness to Christ’s love in the most difficult circumstances. pic.twitter.com/3jQaroV0YY
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) March 1, 2022