News Desk
Mardan, January 29, 2026:
The Executive Committee of the Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan, has formally declared a suspension of its institutional association with the Synod of the Church of Pakistan, citing what it describes as persistent constitutional violations, procedural irregularities, and loss of confidence in the Synod’s leadership.
The decision was adopted during an Extraordinary Emergency Meeting of the Diocesan Executive Committee held at St. Paul Sarhadi Church, Mardan, on January 29, 2026. The resolution follows months of escalating tensions between the Diocese of Peshawar and the central Synod leadership.
According to the resolution, the Diocese of Peshawar represents both Anglican congregations and the Pakistani Lutheran Church within the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These churches were among the founding stakeholders that formed the Church of Pakistan under the Constitution adopted in 1970. The Diocese maintains that its participation in the Union is based on constitutional autonomy and equal stakeholder status, rather than subordination to the Synod.
The Executive Committee stated that it is empowered under diocesan rules to act on behalf of the Diocesan Council in urgent circumstances, particularly to protect diocesan institutions and governance.
Allegations on Synod:
The resolution accuses the Synod and its officers of repeatedly disregarding diocesan resolutions, undermining the Diocese’s constitutional status, and engaging in practices described as procedurally unfair. It further alleges that the Synod’s Coordination Office has been inefficiently managed and failed to process or place valid diocesan resolutions before the appropriate Synod bodies.
A central point of contention relates to the 17th Synod meeting held from November 13 to 15, 2025. The Diocese claims that major constitutional changes were introduced without following the mandatory amendment procedure. According to the resolution, proposed amendments were neither circulated in writing nor referred back to diocesan councils for review. Instead, they were briefly displayed on a screen during the meeting, preventing meaningful debate. The introduction of a new office described as “Archbishop” was also criticised for lacking proper constitutional process.
Bishop’s Tenure and Legal Proceedings:
The Diocese further highlighted a resolution passed by its Executive Committee on December 29, 2025, seeking a two-year extension of the sitting Bishop’s tenure under Synod rules. The resolution alleges that Synod officers, including the Moderator/Presiding Bishop and the General Secretary, failed to convene the Synod Executive Committee to consider the matter.
As a result, the sitting Bishop approached the civil court, which reportedly issued orders directing the Synod Executive Committee to meet and maintain the status quo. Despite these directions, the Moderator allegedly issued a retirement letter to the Bishop while the court order was still in effect. The Diocese described this action as illegal and unconstitutional.
In its resolution, the Executive Committee formally recorded a complete loss of faith and confidence in the functioning of the Synod, its officers, and its committees, particularly the Moderator and the General Secretary.
As an emergency measure, the Diocese announced that it will not recognise the authority or jurisdiction of the Synod, its committees, or officers over diocesan affairs until the Synod restores compliance with the 1970 Constitution and rectifies the alleged violations. Decisions taken by the Synod, including those from the recent Synod meeting, were declared non-binding on the Diocese during this period.
The Diocese reaffirmed its confidence in the sitting Bishop and stated that the December 29 resolution regarding his continuation in office remains valid and operative. Any actions taken against the Bishop, including the retirement letter, were declared ineffective within the Diocese and subject to judicial determination.
Protection of Diocesan Property:
The resolution also warned that any attempt by Synod officials or representatives to interfere in diocesan properties, institutions, or offices without authorisation would be treated as unlawful. Informal communications, including emails or messages sent during ongoing court proceedings, were declared non-actionable by diocesan authorities.
The DOP emphasised that the suspension of association is conditional and non-final. It stated that the action has been taken under extraordinary circumstances to safeguard diocesan autonomy and institutional integrity. The Executive Committee indicated that future legal, ecclesiastical, and administrative steps would be reviewed and later placed before the Diocesan Council for ratification when circumstances allow.
The resolution further stated that if constitutional rectification does not occur within two weeks, including restoration of the original structure of the 1970 Constitution and acceptance of the December 29, 2025 resolution, the Diocese would reassess its future institutional position.
The resolution has been entered into the official record of the Diocese of Peshawar and may be used in civil, constitutional, or ecclesiastical proceedings.