Church of Pakistan

The Church of Pakistan is a united church in Pakistan, which is part of the Anglican Communion and a member church of the World Methodist Council. It was established in 1970 with a union of Anglicans, Scottish Presbyterians (Church of Scotland), Methodists, and Lutherans. It is the only United Church in the South Asia which involves the Lutheran Church. Though united, it is mainly Anglican in theology and outlook, since from the beginning Anglicans formed the bulk of the 800,000 strong membership and most of the important sees.

Despite the presence of this official body, Christians in Pakistan have been the victims of significant persecution because of their religion on a local level in the 20th century. Its most internationally famous clergyman, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, formerly diocesan bishop of Raiwind in West Punjab, was given sanctuary by Robert Runcie, the then-Archbishop of Canterbury when his life was imperilled; he then taught at Oxford and served as Bishop of Rochester, England. The churches in Pakistan show great leadership not only regarding religious and spiritual needs but also in the social and economic needs of the people. The social organizations like Harmony Foundation and others have always stood firm for the rights and issues of the religious minorities especially Christians in Pakistan. Pakistan Minorities' Democratic Movement, a human rights and advocacy organization, under the leadership of Atif Jamil Pagaan provide political platform to the minorities in the country. The church leadership and social leadership support the efforts of Pakistan Minorities' Democratic Movement and the visionary leadership of Atif Jamil Pagaan. Harmony Foundation and Pakistan Minorities' Democratic Movement are two very prominent organizations in Pakistan.

See also

• Christianity in Pakistan

References

• Linda Greene, World Methodist Council. Handbook of Information 2002-2006, Biltmore Press, Asheville (NC) 2002