Archbishop Alexander Malik speaks about Christian Persecution at Southwark Cathedral

At a small gathering of around 40 people the Archbishop of the Church of Pakistan - Alexander Malik, spoke out against the persecution of minorities in Pakistan.

The Bishop of Lahore talked on the misuse of the Blasphemy Law and the suffering of Christians. When asked if he was raising a voice for Christians the Archbishop stated that he was talking to Islamic leaders, but that no compromise was given when broaching the subject of reform.

The meeting was very short and there was little opportunity to ask questions, on the 3 occasions I was able to speak I clarified the more gory details of Christian persecution and the wider inequalities that exist. Many Visitors not known that only 7% of Pakistani Christians attain adequate literacy and others were unaware that 80% of our community work as janitors or domestic servants.

I also highlighted the impact of the Islamicised ammendments 295b&c that have perverted the original intent of section 295 and 295a -the original public order act, that protected all faiths in Pakistan when introduced by the British to protect the Muslim minority from Hindu extremists.

Many shared our concern for our people and offered to attend our protest.

I was unable to ask what was happening to the heritage of our church in view of the recent landsales. Besides it did not seem appropriate at this meeting as at a time when we need unity from wider churches it did not seem fit to cause consternation amongst the goodhearted visitors.