Release International
STEP INTO THE PERSECUTION ZONE |
| Nov 27 2007 |
Christians campaign to end Pakistan's notorious blasphemy laws
Christians are being asked to set up a 'Persecution Zone' in their churches to remember Christians in Pakistan who are victimised for their faith. Release International has launched the 'Remember Persecuted Christians' campaign in response to calls from church leaders in Pakistan to repeal the country's notorious blasphemy laws.
British Christians are being asked to sign a petition, write to the President of Pakistan and set up a Persecution Zone in their churches. Another suggestion is to set up their own cardboard and wire mock prisons and 'go to jai' for a day to raise awareness.
The campaign is to bring prayer and pressure on Pakistan to abolish the blasphemy laws which have been used unjustly against Christians and other minorities.
Christians have been falsely accused of blasphemy as a way of settling scores and getting revenge. The 'crime' carries the death penalty. Even if the accused are acquitted, they risk being gunned down on the streets by vigilantes convinced they are doing Allah a favour.
'The notorious blasphemy laws are being used to persecute Christians and other minorities - and those laws must go,' says Release International's Executive Director Eddie Lyle. 'The Remember Campaign gives us all a chance to stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters and bring lasting change for Christians in Pakistan.
'Hebrews 13:3 says: "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are ill-treated as if you yourselves were suffering." So this is an opportunity to back up good intentions with actions,' adds Eddie Lyle. 'The government of Pakistan is currently considering a change in the law. By acting now we can increase the momentum and serve persecuted believers in a practical way.'
The Remember Campaign is timely. The Pakistan government is reviewing the blasphemy laws after several Christians were murdered in recent months. They include Samuel Masih, who was accused of blasphemy. International pressure is mounting on Pakistan to end religious intolerance. But the calls for reform are likely to draw fierce opposition from militant Islamist groups.
Among the Christians currently awaiting trial for blasphemy is schoolteacher Parvez Masih. Supporters say he was falsely accused of blaspheming the prophet Mohammed by rivals who were jealous of his successful school.
The latest edition of Release International's (RI's) Witness magazine features a10-year-old girl who was raped for being a Christian, and a 15-year-old boy who was abducted and forced to convert to Islam - before being trained to wage 'holy war' against India in Kashmir.
To press for change Christians are being asked to download a petition from Release International's website www.releaseinternational.org/remember, gather as many signatures as possible, and return them before October 30. RI will present the petitions to the Pakistan Embassy in London.
Christians are also being encouraged to write to the President of Pakistan urging him to abolish the blasphemy laws, and to set up a 'Persecution Zone' on their church notice boards for prayer requests and news about persecuted Christians. All the necessary resources are available on the RI website.
Rob Frost, the Director of Share Jesus International and President of RI says: 'It is vitally important for our own faith that we remember and learn from the experience of persecuted Christians. I commend this new campaign to you.'
Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 nations around the world, by supporting pastors and their families who are being victimised, supplying Christian literature and Bibles and working for justice.
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