News Desk
Lahore, January 8, 2025:
On January 2, Nosheen Khan, Principal of Gujranwala Theological Seminary (GTS), convened a board meeting at the seminary premises. The meeting was attended by prominent board members, including Bishop of Peshawar Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters, Bishop of Faisalabad Aleem Anwar, Bishop of Lahore Nadeem Kamran, Bishop of Hyderabad Rev. Emric Joseph, Elder Naveed John Bhinder, and Nosheen Khan herself. During the session, the board unanimously decided to remove Rev. Majeed Able from his position as chairman of the seminary, citing allegations of corruption. Rev. Emric Joseph was named the new chairman, while Naveed John Bhinder was appointed vice chairman and Wilbur John was designated treasurer. Additional board members were also elected.
In response to this decision, Rev. Majeed Able held a separate meeting on January 4 at the residence of Rev. Arif Siraj, a local priest. This gathering included Bishop of Sialkot Elwin John Samuel, Bishop of Multan Leo Paul, Rev. Arif Siraj, Presbyterian Church Education Board associate Veeda Javaid, Rev. Emanuel Khokhar of the Raiwind Diocese, Rev. Samuel Barkat, and Rev. Khurram Shahzad. The attendees unanimously voted to terminate Rev. Nosheen Khan, accusing her of abusing her authority and acting in violation of GTS regulations.
Rev. Majeed Able talking to The White Post, has strongly denied allegations of corruption and misconduct leveled against him by Rev. Nosheen Khan, principal of Gujranwala Theological Seminary (GTS), calling them “baseless and false.”
Speaking in his defense, Rev. Majeed asserted that he is the chairman of GTS and that Rev. Nosheen Khan, as an employee, does not have the authority to convene board meetings. “According to the constitution and by-laws of the institution, she cannot hold a meeting,” he said.
He also questioned the inclusion of the Bishop of Peshawar in Rev. Khan’s meeting, stating that the bishop is not a constitutionally recognized member of the board, making his participation in the meeting “unconstitutional.”
Rev. Majeed defended the actions of the board meeting he chaired, which he described as “official, legitimate, and authentic.” He said that the board members had unanimously decided to remove Rev. Nosheen Khan from her position, citing alleged misuse of her authority. He dismissed her termination of him as “unconstitutional and illegal.”
Responding to the financial corruption allegations, Rev. Majeed raised doubts about the credibility of the audit report and the firm that conducted it, calling the report “faulty.” He denied all charges of corruption and demanded proof and evidence to substantiate the claims against him.
Highlighting his contributions, Rev. Majeed stated that he had worked diligently to raise funds for the seminary and had overseen the construction of a new block on campus. He questioned Rev. Khan’s contributions, alleging that she also collects funds under the seminary’s name.
Rev. Nosheen Khan, principal of Gujranwala Theological Seminary (GTS) presenting his stance on the situation, has defended her decision to call a board meeting, stating it was her constitutional right as the institution’s head. She clarified that her meeting was held before the one organized by Bishop Majeed, suggesting his actions were motivated by retaliation.
Rev. Khan alleged that Rev. Majeed was terminated by the seminary’s board members due to serious charges of financial corruption and misuse of power. She revealed that an internal audit conducted within the seminary found Rev. Majeed involved in financial misconduct, which led to his removal from office.
She further accused Rev. Majeed of attempting to use his influence for personal gains, including pressuring her to employ his family members in Seminary’s faculty and to grant an honorary degree to one of his close acquaintances—both of which she refused. According to Rev. Khan, these refusals fueled a grudge against her.
Additionally, Rev. Khan accused Rev. Majeed of illegally occupying a faculty house by allowing his relatives to reside there, further alleging a pattern of unethical behavior.
Rev. Nosheen Khan also maintained that her board meeting was legitimate and conducted with the approval of the seminary’s board members. She emphasized the significance of the Bishop of Peshawar’s role in the seminary, describing him as a valuable member whose participation in her meeting was justified. She criticized Bishop Majeed for excluding him from previous consultations.
The ongoing dispute between Rev. Nosheen Khan and Rev. Majeed Able, has raised serious concerns about governance and accountability within GTS, with the accusations of corruption and leadership conflicts still unresolved.
These instances about abuse of authority and resources within the Church bring much disgrace to our community. I would urge church leaders to conduct impartial audits and inquiries and get rid of corrupt leaders. Unfortunately our leaders resort to counter charges and divisive practices to divide board members and mislead congregations. As a result everyone’s reputation is tarnished.