|TOP|The Methodist Church has given its full backing to a Day of Prayer for Pakistan set to take place on 6th August 2006. The prayer event has been organised by the Pakistan Asian Christian Welfare Association in Bradford.

The Day of Prayer comes in response to attacks on Christians and churches in Pakistan, however, the organisers also want the day to focus on a much wider range of concerns.

Support has been granted by a wide range of organisations and groups, including local and national churches and Christian organisations.

The Rev Peter Whittaker, Chair of the Methodist West Yorkshire District, is one of the local church leaders backing the event.

|AD|He said, “An important minority group with whom we work more and more in the West Yorkshire District are Christians of Pakistani heritage.

“They need our prayer support as they search for their identity in this society and as they seek to support other Christians in Pakistan who are often under pressure, suffering discrimination and even persecution.”

Dr Elizabeth Harris, Methodist Secretary for Inter Faith Relations, said, “This day of prayer is important in highlighting the discrimination faced by Christians in Pakistan.

"But many of the things Christians will pray for on 6 August, such as harmony between faiths, political stability and freedom from terrorism, would benefit all Pakistanis.

“As Methodists, we are committed to praying for and supporting Christians wherever they suffer.”