Philadelphia: Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput has written to Prime Minister Imran Khan requesting that the Christian community in Pakistan be granted religious freedom. In a letter to the Archbishop of January 21st, the Archbishop states that the issue is going to be made public in the United States on behalf of the Pakistani Catholic community in Philadelphia and elsewhere. The Archbishop said that the Catholic community in Philadelphia was grateful for its Pakistani heritage and that their Catholic faith was nurtured in Pakistan, and expressed concern over the difficulties faced by current Christians in Pakistan.
The Metropolitan cited various reports saying that the Christian community in Pakistan has been subjected to severe hostility, humiliation and repression. According to the Metropolitans, this has led to a misunderstanding of Islam among Christians, including Christians. The Metropolitan is also referring to US Ambassador to the United Nations for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, saying Pakistan wants to improve religious freedom.
I have faith in the honest work of many people in the government of Pakistan. However, Pakistan is unable to protect the religious freedom of all its citizens. The infamous blasphemy law is used to suppress religious minorities and to promote personal rivalry. This law needs urgent reform. The Metropolitan pointed out that the special reservation promised to religious minorities has not been implemented in the public education sector and that the police are failing to protect the sacred places of religious minorities.
The Metropolitan’s letter concludes by stating that Pakistan is facing many economic and social challenges and that he is aware of the heavy responsibility of the government and prays for success and justice in the public service. The full text of the letter was published by First Things.
