By: James Rehmat
On November 1, 2024, the Church of Pakistan celebrated 54 years of such an inspiring journey in 1970 with a bold vision of unity. Forming a new entity was a stepping stone in ecumenism by bringing Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and Scottish Presbyterian traditions under a single fellowship. The decision was meant to be an example of harmony, a celebration of diversity in worship reflection the core Christian commitment to reconciliation, love, and a shared mission.
When the Church of Pakistan was formed, it was an extraordinary and courageous step, symbolizing a commitment to the ecumenical spirit. These denominations were united when social and political issues were at their peak. They realized what brought them together in Christ was much stronger than what kept them apart. The Church was maintained this unity and expanded during the last fifty years by enjoying the richness of its traditions while being a source of hope in the religious complex of Pakistan.
The journey of the Church of Pakistan is not one without its fair share of challenges. Where religious minorities are under social and political pressure, the church has persisted in advocating religious freedom, human rights, and social justice. Such resilience in the church shows the strength of its members and leaders who continue building bridges that have a space filled with love, peace, and forgiveness rather than division and discord.
As the Church of Pakistan commemorates this 54th anniversary, there is a renewed appeal for an ecumenical spirit, challenging its members and the greater Christian community to deepen their commitment to unity. This is an invitation for all to reflect on the Church’s mission-one that aspires to witness Christ’s love by fostering understanding, advocating for the marginalized, and standing as a voice for peace.
As its heart stands prayer as the Church turns to God further in guidance for its reconciliation. Let this milestone inspire us a new to ecumenical commitment, each reminding us that, together and apart, we bear an essential responsibility to bridge divisions, help one another, and show the power of love and forgiveness.
This should look forward to seeing in the future, the Church of Pakistan aspire towards being a nation of harmony, love, and justice for all. The prospects in this regard are enormous; the inter-religious cooperation and dialogue initiatives, the empowerment of the young people and other progressive steps it took concerning today’s social issues may serve as an excellent recipe to see it continue to act with purpose.
May the coming 54th years anniversary be one step toward more unity among its members, and within all society. Let us celebrate such an incredible journey in unison and pray for more divine guidance. May the Church in Pakistan be a beacon of light, striving to build a bride rather than a wall and nurturing a spirit within to inspire others to seek the footprints of Christ.
The writer is faith-based development practitioner, leading to the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development.
For James Rehmat
Takes me back to Pakistan Television (PTV) of 1998. (petti hwee news)
Headlines.
Today Prime Minister inaugurated XYZ international Airport
President highlighted values of human rights and free journalism.
Pakistan will become by 2010 Asian Tiger under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
No news of opposition, just one sentence. “Opposition is working on international agenda and the opposition leader is security risk”
Then comes 12.oct.1999. Bismillah Rehaman e Rahim, meray Aziz hum watnoon.
Harmony, Love, ?🤣
Such writers seem to think the international ecumenical community is blind and unable to recognise the chaos within COP, evident through litigation and the misuse of government machinery to suppress voices and valid questions.
The entire world knows that COP hasn’t changed its appearance in over 70 years; it looks homeless, unkempt, with tangled hair and a stale odour.
It’s as if they were a homeless man sitting outside a tube station, begging international partners with, ‘10p, please; 10p, please.’ International partners wonder: they’re begging from us, yet they somehow find funds to file lawsuits. It sounds absurd.