Solidarity Letter to the Christians in Pakistan

The Indian public and particularly those belonging to the minority religious communities were shocked to learn through the media about the brutal assassination of Shri Shabaz Bhatti, the Minister for Minority Affairs in the Government of Pakistan. That this incident is on account of Shri Bhatti’s open stand against the blasphemy law, and that it follows close on the heels of the death of a provincial Governor for the same reason, is deplorable.
We have learnt that Shahbaz Bhatti was the voice of the voiceless in Pakistan and represented the religious minority communities in Pakistan. He also openly supported the claim against the controversial and inhuman blasphemy law. It is learnt that he was considered as the hope for the hopeless in the midst of majority of submissive forces.  In his death the extremists have tried to put an end to his campaign against the blasphemy law. While his death is a great loss to the minority communities and Christians in Pakistan and also to the Minorities in the world at large, the seed that he has sowed will certainly come to fruition one day.
The National Council of Churches in India strongly condemns the assassination and pledges its support to the initiatives of the Churches and Ecumenical Councils and organizations in Pakistan to rout the divisive forces in Pakistan and to promote peace and harmony in the country.
While appreciating the government and opposition gestures of solidarity with Christians and minorities in Pakistan, the NCCI appeals to the Government of Pakistan to assure life and peaceful living to members of different faiths particularly those that are in minority and are targeted by extremists in the name of religion and faith.
The NCCI assures Christians and the minorities in Pakistan of the prayers of her fellow-pilgrims in India particularly those belonging to the Christian faith traditions represented by the NCCI. We do mourn with you in spirit. May the life giving Grace of God fill our hearts with peace and hope. We sincerely hope and pray that there would be no further attacks on the minorities in the land of Pakistan and elsewhere.
St. John in the fourth gospel exhorts the believers in the words of Jesus, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God also trust in me . . . I will not leave you comfortless . . . I am the resurrection and Life” Let us journey together in this faith and hope (St. John Chapter 14).
With our deepest sympathies and prayers, and on behalf of the Protestant and Orthodox churches in India, and the different Indian Ecumenical councils, organizations and agencies,

Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad,
General Secretary – NCC India
National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)