Christians in Pakistan are poor, isolated and discriminated ,yet strong in faith: Lahore Archbishop

(Tues.30 Jan.2007):-: “Christians in Pakistan are poor, isolated and discriminated, yet they are strong in faith,” declared Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore on Jan.28. The Archbishop was speaking on the situation of the Church in Pakistan to Fr. Henry D’Souza - Executive secretary of the CBCI Commission for Social Communications, at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi. He said - “Christians in Pakistan form a small community, constituting just over one per cent of the total population. They mostly belong to the lower middleclass section of the Pakistan society and are not much educated either. Because of poverty, children are withdrawn from the schools and put to work in order to supplement the family income. The community is in certain isolation,” declared Archbishop Saldanha, who is also the president of the Pakistan catholic Bishops’ Conference. There are social barriers and Christians are not given equal dignity, rather they are discriminated against. Due to political conflicts in the Middle-east, Christians are identified with the Christians of the West, leading to attacks on our churches and institutions,” he stated and added - “Due to insecurity and isolation, Pakistan Christians, given the opportunity, try to leave the country, looking for security and dignity.” He said “The Church leaders are trying to promote inter-religious dialogue through get-togethers on the occasion of Id and Christmas.” Expressing optimism for the future, he said “The situation is changing for the better. Last year, we had relative peace and harmony. The Pakistan Government is trying to shed the image of an intolerant State by promoting inter- religious dialogue to bring a soft image,” asserted Archbishop Saldanha.