BBC Asia Network interviews children from SS Peters and Paul's School on our Lee Rigby project

Young children spoke of the sadness of the tragic attack.

Children from local Catholic School SS Peters and Paul's were interviewed about their participation on our project to create a small mural for Lee Riby to place on local parks.  Lee Rigby a millitary drummer and soldier posted at the Woolwich Barracks, was assassinated in a senseless attack after Muslim Extremists form the local borough of Havering, targeted the military base for a revenge attack in response to the ongoing War on terror.  The attack was conspired to create friction and schism in our local communities, and incidents of racial violence on Muslims increased to a small extent across the country.  In the aftermath of the attack the BPCA held a multi-faith peace concert and memorial ceremony in Woolwich.  Watch the ITV news feature here:

http://www.itv.com/news/london/update/2013-06-16/inter-faith-concert-in-woolwich/

The BPCA led a series of free workshops at Clementswood Community Centre over the half term holidays.  Participating Children spanned all major faiths worshipped locally and a discussion on Lee Rigby led to children providing inspiration for a commissioned temporary public artwork, that will adorn a different park every 3 months for the next year.  After the local display it is hoped that the artwork will be presented to the Woolwich Barracks were Lee Rigby was slain.

Wilson Chowdhry said;

"This project brought together children of all faiths in a spirit of conciliation and unity.  The simplistic designs put forward by the participants symbolise peace, hope and unity in a manner that everyone will understand."

We hope to expand this project and create a more permanent public artwork at the location were Lee Rigby was slain., in the future.  

If you would like to donate to our Lee Rigby Memorial our bank details are as follows:

Sort Code: 20-67-90

Account number: 63468976

Bank: Barclays

Ref:  Lee Rigby Memorial

Alternatively, please use the pay-pal facility on the top right hand corner of our blog, or simply send a cheque made payable to the  BPCA  to our address;  57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.

With your support we hope to bring peace to the communities of Britain.

Hearing the messages of hope from young children inspired hope.

Children rose to the challenge and spread their message of peace that will be broadcast next week.

Scottish Pak-Christians hold service for victims of Peshawar

Scottish Pakistani Christians

The Scottish Asian Christian Association held a memorial service for victims of the Peshawar bombings on Saturday 28th October 2013, at Pollokshileds Church of Scotland..  The event was a huge success over 100 participants, the majority of whom where from the indigenous white Scottish community.  Speakers included Altaf Gohar who raised funds on behalf of the Diocese of Peshawar and donations amounted to £1595.   Wilson Chowdhry form the British Pakistani Christian was invited to speak at the event but due to difficulties in finding the venue arrived mid-service.  Wilson delivered updates on the situation in Pakistan to all the visitors to the church and we have gained several news members of our group.  Wilson travelled at 8pm at night on the friday and arrived at 3am in the morning, completely shattered and had apologised profusely for his late arrival, which was due to a satellite navigation concern.  At the end of the event he said;

"It was  wonderful to see so many Pakistani Christians in Scotland working together to help victims of the twin peshawar bomb attack.  Rarely have I seen so many nonPak-Christians gathered to remember our suffering brothers in Pakistan, and great credit should be given to Sheem Gill for organising such a special event."  

He added;  "Although I was unable to speak at the event, the seven hour journey was not wasted.  I met some wonderful people and my young daughter Hannah realised that our community extends across the country and contributes to the betterment of society."

Sheem Gill with Wilson Chowdhry

Sheem Gill a dedicated Christian and Pakistani Christian mentor to us all.

Scottish Christians prayed for victims of the twin suicide bombings.

The atmosphere was sombre but filled with good intent.

Peshawar victims continue to receive supplies from BPCA, however we desperately need further funds to complete our relief programme.

We have provided wheelchairs and mattresses to over 30 victims.

Over the last month the BPCA have visited over 103 victims of the Peshawar bomb attack.  Many of these casualties of the unprovoked attack, have relied on our food parcels and medical supplies, due to an ability to work and earn form themselves.  Moreover, whilst visiting we have compiled a list of items that victims have personally requested, items which they feel enable them to cope with the unfortunate situations they find themselves in.  We will be posting a complete list of needs by tomorrow and pray that some of you feel moved to donate towards our relief work which is providing essential support to this beleaguered community.  

Over the last three days we have stepped up our aid effort thanks to donations from Elim Church Missions and  numerous personal donations. Gifts we were able to distribute include wheelchairs and foam mattresses and a number of school fees, medical costs and medicines.  Whilst in Peshawar yesterday another bomb exploded literally 10 metres away from our workers.  All of them survived unscathed but it caused us great concern and some very anxious moments.  Unfortunately two children were killed in the bomb attack and we ask you to pray for a restoration of peace in Peshawar, a town that has seen four bomb attacks in recent weeks. Please pray for our volunteers and Aid staff who travel great distances in discomfort to provide help to others.  The value of their work is incalculable and without them we would not be able to react so quickly and professionally. 

We have been inspired by stories of great bravery from these victims and the community at large.  It has been noted that Church services are still well attended as parishioners opt to attend church with more fervour, trying to make sense of the violence and seeking solace protection through God.  

The community continues to pray and put their trust in God and have exhibited an unshakable faith.  Our Aid Workers have been met with great love, despite the tensions these families face and the imposition on their privacy. This has made it simple to collate a list of needs and to help these families effectively.  The needs of this community however are immense and we are continuing our work until donations cease.

The BPCA will be continuing its relief fund to help this beleaguered community.  Donations will pay towards false limbs, support for orphaned children and counselling for families grieving for the bereaved and injured.

If you would like to donate to our relief work our bank details are as follows:

Sort Code: 20-67-90

Account number: 63468976

Bank: Barclays

Ref:  Peshawar Bomb Blast

Alternatively if you would like to send a one of donation please use the pay-pal facility on the top right hand corner of our blog, or simply send a cheque made payable to the  BPCA  to our address;  57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.

With your support we hope to change the lives of millions of Christians in Pakistan.

The girl in black lying  on the floor is Kashmala.  Kashmala is 16 years old and a first year student  for her FA exams next year.  Kashmala has been made immobile due to severe damage to her legs. Another brother received some damage to his back. This family received 2 mattress and 1 wheelchair from the  BPCA. 

Believers gained great solace from prayer support and appreciated the gifts paid for by your donations.  

The man on the left is Samuel, his sister name Sahrish is 15 yrs old and is studying for her Metriculation exams (GCSE level).  One of her legs has been seriously damaged and will soon be amputated (once she can raise the money for the operation). They were provided with one mattress and one wheelchair. 

Mr Stephen who is a teacher and 50yrs of age, has had a bypass operation and he suffered severe damage to his stomach, during the explosions.  A large number of shards had to be removed from his body.  We have provided him with one wheelchair and one mattress. 

Aid workers Yousaf  Arman and Inayat Masih spent three days distributing the gifts.

Victims thanked the global community of humanitarians that provided donations for our relief packages.  Our donations have come from Hindus, Sikhs, Muslim's and Christians.

 Jonathan Sohail is aged 56, he is a teacher whose legs were damaged during the explosion. He received a mattress and wheel chair from the BPCA. Our  officer prayed with victims helping them channel their problems onto God.

 

Asher is 21 years of age and is currently a BA student. His right arm and legs were damaged by the explosions. He received a mattress. 

Below are images of the bomb that exploded 10 metres away from our Aid workers on Monday 4th November.  Two children were killed by the attack.  Please pray for their families.

An electricity pylon collapses to the floor.

Blood found near where the bomb exploded.

This smaller bomb exploded 10 metres away from our aid workers.  They escaped unscathed but please keep them in your prayers.

Blasphemy charges blown up over firecrackers!

By Shamim Mahmood;

ISLAMABAD: On October 29, we celebrated our wedding anniversary. After the celebration, lying in bed on a lazy autumn late evening, something dark and nasty reached out to me, my cell phone ringing. One of my friends was on the other side said that there is another blasphemy case in Wazirabad Gujranwala, the situation is tense there. I picked my phone and made a call to the local police officer. The local police officer, Sami Ullah, the SHO, told me details of the incident and confirmed that there is an incident but (administration) is on the ground looking into the matter.

With a Muslim majority, the country’s Christian population is quite small. Even though Pakistan is a democratic country, but Christians are considered second class citizens especially in remote areas. Discrimination limits their work prospects and their influence in the country’s political and cultural matters.

Tariq Yousaf makes his livings by making firecrackers in Wazirabad Gujranwala. Wazirabad is famous for its cutlery items and Tariq works in cutlery factory with a low salary and works part time as well to make the both ends meet. On October 27, Khurram, (complainant) bought few firecrackers from Tariq and found Islamic verses in it. He called on Tariq and beat him severely.  Fortunately with some intervention of the local elders, the issue was resolved. Later he went to the police station and registered the First Investigation Report FIR No. 533/12 in Sadar Police Station, Wazirabad. (Copy it attached).

Later on Friday, November 01, the situation became tense again, but with the help of the local administration, situation remained under control. Fazal –e- Haq, Assistant Superintendent Police - ASP and Sami Ullah, Station House Officer– SHO with police squad remained there till late hours. Christian leadership was also there to look into the matter.

According to Farrukh H Saif, accused of the blasphemy case are under police custody and World Vision in Progress – WVIP is handling the legal matters of the case.

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Hate Speech to be banned from Mosques.

By Mushtaq Gill

LAHORE: To ban the speeches and addresses of Muslim Clerics in Mosques against Christians' faith and Holy Book (The  Bible) and also ban the texts of educational books which criticise and falsify the faith of other religions.It should  also be banned the exchange of thoughts on religion at public places,working places and in educational institutions.This is the only measure to stop the misuse and purposeful use of blasphemy laws against religious minorities including Christians.

Today in briefing on the misuse of Islamic blasphemy laws,Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill,Chief of LEAD and President Punjab PCC,said that Government should take strong steps to stop the misuse of blasphemy laws against religious minorities and particularly against Christians.
First of all this is an addition in Islamic blasphemy laws, which is totally wrong and injustice with religious minorities,and further this addition means to strengthen the misuse of blasphemy laws against religious minorities.

Mr.Gill briefed in press release on the decision of Pakistan’s constitutionally mandated Council of Islamic Ideology who announced that the blasphemy laws are correct and according to Islamic law and spirit.The CII also recommended that the existing blasphemy laws do not require any amendments.The CII only suggested that anyone who wrongly accused a person of blasphemy against Islam must be executed.

We do not agree with this decision and suggestions of Council of Islamic Ideology because this decision has created many apprehensions in our minds,said Gill.

As we are witnessed that Police, lawyers, and judges may also be subject to harassment, threats, and attacks when blasphemy is an issue, and if such addition is possibly made in blasphemy laws then the accuser and his supporters (religious extremists) will place the earth on their heads to make sure the death sentence to the allegedly accused of blasphemy laws.This addition only means to make sure the blasphemy accused to be hanged from the neck till his death.

It is also keep in mind that if a person is arrested in blasphemy case it takes years, sometimes eight to ten years, to prove his or her innocence in courts. Even if honourably acquitted, the innocent victim is not safe” and sometimes “killed inside the jail or after they were released.So it simply means no need and beneficial to make such kind of addition in blasphemy laws.

Pakistani religious and secular authorities admit and aware of the misuse of blasphemy law against minorities by vested interests,but no one dare to say this blasphemy laws shall be repealed or at least shall not be applicable on religious minorities because they do not believe in Islam or its faith.

We are witnessed that from Mosques to educational institutions,the Pakistani generation to nation it is preached and taught that the faith of Christians and other religion is false and The Bible is corrupted book.This is the root cause of the misuse and the purposeful use of Islamic blasphemy laws against religious minorities and particularly against Christians.

It is fact that Pakistan is an overwhelmingly Islamic society, and it is politically impossible to scrap the blasphemy laws or lessen its allowance of capital punishment,and it is also historically fact that these laws were purposefully promulgated.Government must guard against making exceptions and selectivity. Exceptions and selectivity will not promote harmony. If anything, it will only further increase it.So authorities should keep in minds that every person love his faith and believe,no one should be encouraged or supported to condemn or falsify other faith or Holy Book,but making blasphemy laws Government is a guard of making exceptions and selectivity.

Government has to call upon clerics and religious scholars from all schools of thought and religious groups to help the government check the misuse of the blasphemy law against minorities.The decision of CII is not acceptable because blasphemy laws are being misused against religious minorities and the fate of religious minorities is being decided by Muslim Clerics only.

Between a rock and a hard place!

By – Shamim Masih

ISLAMABAD: Doing journalism in the country like Pakistan, which is dominated by Muslim religious extremist, is not easy, especially when you write about religious minorities. Pakistan is perhaps ranked the third most dangerous country for reporting. The country also has one of the highest numbers of journalists threatened, kidnapped and killed.

Before partition, the vision of the Muhammad Ali Jinnah was of a nation that would adopt secularism to accommodate its historically multi-religious and culturally diverse population. The Christians chose to stay back were assured of security and basic equal rights. Sadly, what is happening is at total variance to the vision. Today, the very existence of these communities is under threats. It seems that Pakistan exist as an Islamic state, comprising only of Sunni State like Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has been carrying out the most insidious ethnic cleaning over the last four decades right under the eyes of the world.

My aim is to create a peaceful environment in the society and to help eliminate human rights violation / persecution through my writing as I bring the plight of those brave people under spotlight of the whole world.

Pakistan, where those working to change an incredibly hostile climate for free speech have found themselves under fierce attack. So in this situation journalists do not dare to write about these activities.

Being a Christian journalist, it is indeed become more dangerous to write on minorities’ issues. Many newsrooms forbid their journalists from reporting these kids of incidents. So it happens with me as well. Apart from my routine work, I usually write on minorities issues. So during my working with different papers in the country (knowingly I not mentioning the names), my editor told me to keep it low profile or stop it for a while, and if I had to, it would go without by byline.

Threat is routine matter; I even don’t mention this kind of phone calls or anything like this. People know me and know that even if it is without by byline, that I am doing it. Some time, they ask me, to whom you are working for; my answer is simple, for Christ Jesus. No one can stop me until its God will. I work as diplomatic correspondents, also covering foreign office and Parliament House additional I do for my paper. Apart from my office responsibilities, I raise the voice of the most deprived portion of the society. They are usually called “chooras” (derogatory term used for Christians in Pakistan, also among the poorest sections of society and consigned to menial janitorial jobs). Some time they use this word for me as well, even if it is not in my presence but I know the mentality of the stiff mind-set.

It is quite distressing to see a region that has for millenniums been the hub of civilization and religious integration, with an abiding heritage of multi ethnicity and linguistic/cultural diversity, degenerate into a fanatical society in such a short span of time. It is astounding to see how some fanatical groups have converted rich diversity into a liability. But it will make no difference; threats are hazards of this job living in an increasingly intolerant society. The most painful is the attitude of Christian religious leadership behavior towards its congregation. Missionary schools have expelled the Christian students from their school. Christian institutions have hired squad of Muslims while Christian skilled and deserving youngsters are jobless. Those who are responsible are not the visionary intellectuals and thinkers of the society; they are fringe elements seeking to further their business, economic and political interests by playing politics of sectarian hatred.

The world need to take cognizance of the genocide that is slowly taking place in Pakistan. The responsibility on United State of America is all the more acute; while being concerned about all the groups that are suffering, special attention has to be given to the Christian communities and to the people who are really deserving.     

House of Lords discusses persecution of Christian's outside of Britain and the challenges faced by Christian asylum seekers to the UK.

A gathering of humanitarians of different faiths convened at the House of Lords yesterday at a meeting hosted by Baroness Berrige, Chair All Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion and Belief.  In attendance were His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church, United Kingdom,  Rubab Mehdi Rizvi, Chair Person International Human Rights Association,  Lord Ahmed of Rotheram,  Nadeem Ali, Mayor Waltham Forest,  Professor Iain Benson, Barrister, Professor Extraordinary, Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Executive Committee Member. Global Centre for Pluralism, Toronto, Canada,  Lord Avebury, Vice-Chair Parliamentary Human Rights Group,  Toaha Qureshi, MBE,  Cameron Younis, Pakistani Christian,  Rev'd Canon Dr Shannon Ledbetter, Community Canon, Blackburn Cathedral and Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association.

The meeting focused on the process of Asylum in the UK and the exiting persecution of Christians and other minorities abroad.  

Lord Avebury commented on the existing Asylum process indicating that overall his perception was that the existing framework was correct, but clarifying he would be interested to hear about way to improve the process.  

Cameron Younis a Pakistani Christian described how he had started two schools to stem the growing illiteracy amongst the Christians in Pakistan.  

Canon Shanon Ledbetter chaired the meeting and spoke of the need for people of good conscience from within major faiths, to promote unity amongst their congregations.

Bishop Angaelos form the Coptic Orthodox Church siad;

"Democracy and Theocracy cannot live together."  He added; "We need pious people who use their faith to care for all segments of society."

Professor Iain Benson said; "We all need a richer conception of our obligations in Society"  

Professor Benson shared a paradigm for the espousal of a better global society, and Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the BPCA questioned him on how feasible it was, for nations such as Pakistan with their adoption of a Theocratic constitution and laws, to engage with such methodology.  Especially where the model required proper assessment of the needs of "Associational Groupings," meaning that minority needs would have to be equally prioritised.

Professor Benson replied; 

"It will be very difficult but a paradigm shift is necessary and it may require revolution."

Wilson responded by seeking clarification on whether Professor Benson would support sanctions from the United Nations, European Union and stronger nations, to bring change to Pakistan and other nations with poor humanitarian records.  

Professor Benson said;

"Yes it is imperative we use all available resource to bring change, and bodies such as these should undertake the functions they were created for"

At the end of the meeting Wilson Chowdhry said;

"Recent incidents of persecution in the Islamic World, have highlighted concerns regarding the safety of Christians.  The effects of these attacks reverberate across the globe and create unnecessary tension in more harmonious societies.  This accumulated hurt is an undesirable social malaise, that can only be cured through a more proactive global effort to restore dignity to the oppressed."

Canon Shanon and Baroness Berrige.

Bishop Angaelos considers the evidence before him.

Rubab Mehdi Rizvi spoke of the hope for a better Pakistan.

Professor Iain Benson

Wilson Chowdhry and Canon Shanon