Bishop initiates online petition against Pakistan blasphemy laws

The petition follows a recent statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury condemning attacks on Christians in Pakistan.

The Rt Rev Michael Jackson, Chair of the Network for Inter Faith Concerns of the Anglican Communion, and Dr Musharraf Hussain, Chair of the Christian Muslim Forum initiated the online petition ‘Safety and respect for Christians in Pakistan’ on behalf of the Anglican Communion.

The petition states: “The attacks on Christians, and on occasions also on Muslims, facilitated as they are by the law on blasphemy, are very damaging to the reputation of Pakistan and indeed to the reputation of Muslims which we wish to see restored.”

It has been signed by over 1,800 people, among them Christians and Muslims, from 20 countries around the world including Pakistan. Twenty bishops have also added their names in support of the petition.

The petition follows recent attacks on Christians in Gojra following accusations of blasphemy by local Muslims. At least eight Christians were killed in the attacks, which have been condemned by the church in Pakistan as well as Christian and Muslim leaders in the UK.

The petition is available to sign here: pakistansignnow.petitionhost.com