Christians worldwide called to light a candle for Asia Bibi

(April 19, 2011) Christians in Pakistan and around the world have been called to light a candle and say a special prayer on Wednesday for Asia Bibi, who is in prison sentenced to death for blasphemy. The Pakistani Christian Masihi Foundation has proclaimed April 20, as a day dedicated to Asia Bibi. The slogan of the day is "love for Asia Bibi, a day of prayer and fasting for Asia Bibi." Pakistan’s Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi has said they will participate in the initiative.
The Masihi Foundation announced that it has already received a confirmation from Italy that the Italian Church will participate. Bishop Rufin Anthony of Islamabad-Rawalpindi said: "We will join the Masihi Foundation in lighting a candle for Asia Bibi during the Holy Week, and I ask all Christians to pray and fast for Asia Bibi, who prays and fasts even though she is ill.” The Masihi Foundation supports and sustains the family of Asia Bibi and is involved in her case, so let us also pray for this Foundation. From 1986 to 2010 there were 43 cases of "extra-judicial" killings of people accused of blasphemy. 19 concerned Christians, 17 Muslims, two Hindus and 5 Ahmadis.