News Desk
Lahore, February 13, 2025
Gujranwala Theological Seminary (GTS) is experiencing an intense leadership struggle after the ousting of its chairman, Rev. Dr. Majeed Abel, who was dismissed following corruption charges identified by an independent audit. While he has pleaded not guilty in interviews, he has yet to challenge the findings in court. Tensions escalated when Rev. Abel arrived at the seminary to assert his authority, leading to a confrontation with the administration. The conflict deepened as the administration accused him of removing a faculty member’s nameplate from her residence. Police were called in to control the situation, while students and faculty members expressed concerns over the seminary’s worsening environment.
Court Decision on the Leadership Dispute
The Additional District Judge of Gujranwala dismissed Rev. Majeed Abel’s appeal against a prior court decision that denied him an ad-interim injunction. The court ruled that GTS is governed by its own independent constitution, which provides for the appointment and removal of board members. It held that internal disputes should be handled within the institution’s governance structure. The judge further stated that the claims against Rev. Abel required substantial proof, which was not provided at this stage. However, the ruling was declared temporary, meaning it would not affect the final determination of the case.
Rev. Nosheen Khan, principal of GTS, strongly condemned Rev. Majeed Abel’s actions, accusing him of orchestrating an attack on a female faculty member’s residence.
“Miss Khashia was living in a house allocated to her because of sewage problems in the guest house. A group of people, led by Rev. Majeed Abel, attacked the house and vandalized it,” she stated.
She recounted how she and her staff rushed to the scene upon learning about the attack. “When we arrived, we saw group of people led by Rev. Majeed shattering her nameplate. My staff and I resisted them and called the police,” she explained.
During the police intervention, Rev. Khan made an offer in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. “For the sake of the institution’s reputation, I told the police that I was willing to step down from my position—on the condition that Rev. Majeed Abel also stepped down and stop fighting for chairmanship,” she claimed
However, she claimed that Rev. Abel rejected the proposal outright. “He said, ‘No, this is not possible. I will remain chairman,’” she told.
Addressing the housing dispute, Dr. Khan clarified, “This house belongs to the institution, not an individual. Dr. Jack was not an official faculty member—he was a guest who volunteered to teach here. How can this house be labeled as his?
Miss Khashia Emmanuel, a faculty member in charge of the library, described the attack on her residence as a traumatic event.
“A group of people attacked my house. I could only recognize Rev. Majeed Abel, as I recently moved here after completing my studies abroad and do not know many people yet,” she stated.
She recalled how she immediately informed Rev. Nosheen Khan, who arrived to help. “Dr. Nosheen and the staff joined me in resisting the attack. The group was publicly instructed by their leaders to throw out my belongings, claiming that I was living in the house illegally and capturing a foreign guest’s residence,” she explained.
Denying any wrongdoing, Miss Khashia said, “I have nothing to do with Dr. Jack’s house. I was legally given this residence. They even accused me of stealing belongings and broke my nameplate.”
She also linked the attack to an effort to intimidate her. “My main goal in returning from the abroad was to contribute to theological education for women. Female participation in theological studies, especially at higher levels, is very low. I find this behavior a deliberate act to scare me into leaving the job, reinforcing male dominance in the institution,” she added tearfully.
Samuel Raiz, a third-year student at GTS, spoke about the broader impact of the conflict on students and faculty.
“The incident has traumatized the entire institution—faculty, staff, and most importantly, us students. Our teachers themselves are distressed, and it affects how they teach us,” he stated.
He recounted the mental toll the situation has taken. “I have personally witnessed our male and female faculty members crying due to stress. We even had to take one of our female heads to the hospital in a terrible condition. If something happens to them, who will be responsible?” he questioned.
Samuel also expressed concern over their graduation. “We are supposed to be celebrating the completion of our theological studies, but instead, we live in fear of what will happen next. Will graduation even happen? Will it be peaceful?”
His family has also been affected. “My parents keep asking about the graduation date, but I have no answer. There is so much uncertainty,” he said.
Samuel concluded by lamenting the damage done to GTS’s reputation. “This dispute has badly affected the productivity of both students and teachers. It has also tarnished the image of this historic institution, which has produced many respected theological scholars, not just in Pakistan but internationally. Now, that legacy is at risk because of this power struggle,” he added
Rev. Majeed Abel rejected all allegations against him and maintained that he remained the rightful chairman of GTS.
“The court has granted me a stay in this case, strictly restraining the opposing party from interfering in my matters as chairman. Their request for a stay was denied, while mine was approved, which supports my legal position,” he asserted.
Denying the claims of vandalism, Rev. Abel stated, “We were simply ringing the doorbell of guest house when Rev. Nosheen Khan gathered students and faculty to stage a scene, portraying themselves as victims.”
Regarding the housing dispute, he defended Dr. Jack’s right to the residence. “Dr. Jack has been teaching at GTS since last term and is a valued international partner and supporter of the seminary. The guest house was assigned to him and his wife. When they left for Christmas, the principal gave the house to another employee. Now, Dr. Jack and his wife are back in Pakistan with no permanent residence,” he explained.
On the broader conflict, Rev. Abel accused the administration of attempting to remove him without due process. “The board should handle these matters, not individuals who want to run the seminary as their personal property,” he argued
At its core, the conflict at GTS reflects a fierce battle for leadership and governance. Rev. Nosheen Khan and her supporters argue that Rev. Abel refuses to accept his removal despite corruption allegations. Meanwhile, Rev. Abel claims that he is being unfairly ousted and that the institution is being mismanaged.
The dispute also has gendered implications, with Miss Khashia describing the attack as part of a broader effort to sideline women in theological education. However, Rev. Abel insists the issue is purely about governance and not gender discrimination.
Regardless of who is right, the ongoing turmoil has disrupted academic life, left students and faculty in distress, and threatened the seminary’s long-standing reputation. With legal battles still ongoing, the future of GTS remains uncertain.