2011-01-28 15:07:24

Pakistani bishops condemn blasts in Shia processions


(January 28, 2011) Catholic bishops in Pakistan have condemned Tuesday’s bomb attacks in Lahore and Karachi and blamed the country’s education system that fosters intolerance. Suicide bombings targeting marches by minority Shiite Muslims in Pakistan's two largest cities claimed 15 lives and left more than 50 injured. The Shia community was holding a procession marking the end of 40 days’ mourning for Prophet Imam Hussain. “The tragedy is the result of divisive and repulsive thinking,” said Bishop Max Rodrigues of Hyderabad, adding, “our country has detracted from the purpose of its creation.” “Things will get worse in the absence of a positive thought for unification,” he said and called for the reformation of the country’s education system. Auxiliary Bishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore termed the violence as a conspiracy to disrupt peace. He said people fear congregating in large numbers like in marriages and religious events. Pakistan’s Catholic Church has for a long time argued for a “balanced curriculum,” saying the present school courses encourage extremism.







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