The white portion on Pakistan's flag is meant to symbolise religious minorities - and that they have a home there
Join the growing chorus against ill-advised laws often used to incite violence against Christians
The deaths of seven Pakistani Christians at the hands of a violent mob have led Christian and Muslim leaders in the UK to launch an online petition.
In it they urge the Pakistani government to address its Blasphemy laws, so often used to incite violence against minority groups, especially Christians.
These infamous laws seem to offer protection to those who wish to incite violence against Christians and make it harder to protect minorities under attack, say the petition organisers.
The petition says attacks on Christians have become “a pattern of violence that has been intensifying in recent years” and frequently associated with the misuse of the blasphemy laws.
“The law on blasphemy has provided a ready excuse for those who are motivated to use it for their own ends,” it states.
The petition is signed by the Rt Rev Michael Jackson, chair of the Anglican Communion’s Network for Interfaith Concerns and Dr Musharraf Hussain, chair of the Christian Muslim Forum. It also appears on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website.
Hundreds have already signed. CMS regional manager for Pakistan, John Hayward, is encouraging people to add their name to the list.
“This issue is becoming pivotal in defence of Christians in Pakistan,” he said.
Follow this link to the petition >>>
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Blasphemy law in Pakistan: open petition
Christians and Muslims around the world as well as people of other faiths and those who do not adhere to any religion will have been hearing with real concern, the news of the attacks on the Christian villages of Gojra and Qorian in Pakistan resulting in the deaths of at least seven innocent men, women and children. This was the latest in such attacks over many years and has attracted international condemnation from religious and political leadership in Pakistan and internationally.
One of the causes of such attacks is the ability of extremists and others with private motivations, to incite attacks on Christians and on occasion also on Muslims; and the inability of the police and local judiciary to protect innocent people. The blasphemy laws currently in force in Pakistan provide such people with the means to incite violence and seem to have played a part in the recent incidents which led to the death of a number of Christians.
Following widespread discussions with Christian partners and correspondents in Pakistan, Christian and Muslim organisations in the United Kingdom and with the Pakistan authorities, there is a desire amongst many people to express their concerns to the Government of Pakistan and to press for change in the blasphemy legislation and for the protection of Christians and others who are suffering from its abuse. To this end a petition is now available to be signed electronically and can be reached by clicking here and following the instructions.
http://pakistansignnow.petitionhost.com
The petition will be delivered to the Pakistan Government and is intended to assist in their efforts to prevent further attacks. The more people who sign, the more effective the petition will be and we urge you to take action now by:
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signing the petition yourself
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by putting this letter prominently on your own and as many other websites as possible.
It is by actions such as these that people of faith and of goodwill can show their active concern for the good of the world and in this case their support of the Christian community of Pakistan
Please do sign today - one click makes it possible!