"1. The National Council of Churches in Pakistan - a common forum of various churches, denominations in the country, in a specially convened meeting on 27th September; 2001 under the Chairmanship of Rt.Rev. Dr. Alexander John Malik and participated by a large number of Church leaders and people from different walks of life, strongly condemned the various acts of terrorism in New York & Washington on 11th Sept killing thousands of innocent people from over 80 countries. No religion allows such unpardonable crime against humanity and the evil needs to be combated at all fronts otherwise the entire humanity will become hostage to the devilish forces of this evil. Pakistan itself is the victim of menace since the past 20 years and knows the pain of such devastating acts. One-minute silence was observed and special prayer was offered for those killed and for the bereaved families.

2. Mr.Eric Massey stated that Pakistan being a frontline State is faced with the most difficult period of its existence. As identified by President Gen.Musharaff, the security and integrity of the state, economy & its revival, protection of nuclear assets and the Kashmir Cause are the four supreme national concerns and the national interests can be best protected by the bold and well deliberated decision of the Government by becoming part of the international _coalition for fighting terrorism in accordance with the resolutions of Security Council and UN General Assembly, in the given circumstances. National Solidarity and cohesion was imperative for success of the Government decision. And Minorities being an integral part of the nation and as an expression of unity, the entire Church and Christian Community fully support the Government and will stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation and will give any sacrifice that may be needed for the protection of the Motherland.

3. Mr.Victor Azariah - General Secretary and Rt.Rev. Samuel Pervaiz -President, National Council of Churches in Pakistan, Advocate--- Naeem Shakir, Qayyum Bhatti, Mr. Kanwal Feroz, Mr.Gill, Col.K.M.Roy and others spoke on the occasion. The council urged the US Administration to exercise restraint and prudence in dealing with this complex crisis and to ensure that no country is victimized without credible evidence. At the same time, a distinction is made between "terrorism" and "Freedom Struggle". It was time that super power and the west reviews their foreign policy goals and make non-partisan effort for removal of injustice, human deprivation and promote the right of self determination in Kashmir, Palestine - Chechnia and also that this human tragedy is not used as an opportunity for hegemonic designs or hidden agenda of certain countries.

4. Winding up the discussion, Bishop Malik urged the Church to remain united as an integral part of the nation. He stated that Christians or other non-Muslims are "minorities" only in the religious sense and are very much a part of one Nation. There is need for fully supporting the Government decision and it was the best option in the given difficult situation. He condemned burning of mosques and killing as retaliatory response. The tragedy has provided an opportunity for uniting the people of different religions and nationalists against a common scourge/ enemy. This occasion shall be used to humanize the humanity. This was the biggest challenge of 21st Century the world is faced with. Pakistan with its own national interests as the foremost priority, will emerge as a strong, moderate and progressive state.

5. The initiative of the Secretary General Mr.Victor Azariah and President of the Council, Bishop Samuel Pervaiz, in organizing the meeting and mobilizing the National Churches towards national cause was deeply appreciated.

NCC-Pakistan being a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) spread all over the world, should endevour to galvanize churches in the countries for fighting "terrorism". Furthermore, Pakistan alone cannot look after millions of Afghan Refugees entering Pakistan. It would be necessary if the member Churches & Countries of WCC extend helping hand for coping with the "humanitarian refugee problem".

Victor Azariah
General Secretary"

Back to the list of statements