London Pakistani Christians to hold joint memorial service to remember slain Pakistani Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti!

Shahbaz Bhatti RIP

Funeral Service for Shahbaz Bhatti

On Sunday 3rd March 2013 Pakistani Christians in London will hold a united service to commemorate the life of slain Pakistani Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti.  

Mr Bhatti has been labelled as a true patriot who laid down his life for the sake of Pakistan.  He was martyred on 2^nd march 2011 at the age of 42 outside his mother’s house in Islamabad. His martyrdom has been honoured with “Hilal-e-Shujaiat” (Gallantatry Medal) by the President of Pakistan.

He received “Peace Award” for his services in the field of human rights and promotion of peace in Pakistan.

His hard work was acknowledged by the Canadian Human Rights Organisation known as “International Awaz in the shape of “appreciation award” given to him in 1999.

In recognition to his struggle a ‘religious liberty’ was conferred upon him by Finland in 2004.

He was selected by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the rising leadership programme.

In 2009, USA Commission on International Religious Freedom in Washington honoured him with the “Freedom of Religion” award.

Religious extremist forces threatened and pressurised Shahbaz Bhatti for his principle stand against the blasphemy laws, promotion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood.

One of his last public statements was: "these Taliban threaten me. But I want to share that I believe in Jesus Christ, who has given his own life for us. I know what is the meaning of the cross, and I am following the cross," which he followed all the way, to his last breath.

Details for the memorial service are as follows:

Time:       6pm
Date:       3rd March 2013
Venue:   St Andrews Church
                 The Drive
                 Ilford 
                 Essex
                 IG1 3PE

We invite people of all faiths and backgrounds to join us and learn of the huge sacrifice made by one of our generations most progressive humanitarians.

A historical coming together of Pakistani Ministers in London means we are expecting a packed attendance.  The lead Churches and Ministers involved in this Service include the following:

The Revd Wilson Gill - Emmanuel Church, Southall.
The Revd Noble Samuel - Heston Asian United Reform Church 
The Revd Shahbaz Javed - Walthamstow United Reform Asian Church
The Revd John Bosco - MATV
Shaheen Zar - Chairman Ilford Asian Congregation
The Revd Barry Cheesman Ilford High Road Baptist Church
Alan Craig - Christian Peoples Alliance
Simon Standen - Outreach Minister High Road Baptist Church
World renowned Catholic Band Ooberfuse will be performing their tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti and Asia Bibi Campaign song. 

Choirs from Ilford Asian Congregation and Walthamstow United Reform Asian Church will lead the singing of Zaboor.

Father Gareth Thomas Vicar for St Mary's Church will preside over the service.

Chief Guests include:
Dr Martin Stern - Nazi Holocaust Survivor and former medical student of Peshawar University
MP Andrew Stephenson - Pendle Constituency
Zoe Baldock - Open Doors

Matthew Jones - Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Mike Emberson -ACN Area Secretary for the Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark


Please remember our 2nd March 2012 protest and Trafalgar Square Peace concert:

(Click here for details)