News Desk
Lahore, January 6, 2025:
The Executive Committee of the Synod, Church of Pakistan, convened a meeting at 17-Waris Road, Lahore, under the chairmanship of The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator/President Bishop of the Synod. The meeting addressed pressing concerns regarding the upcoming election of the Co-adjutor Bishop for the Diocese of Peshawar, scheduled for January 20, 2025.
During the session, Mr. Shahzad Khurram, General Secretary of the Synod, briefed the committee on developments concerning the election process. He highlighted that the Diocesan Secretary of Peshawar, Rev. Shahid Younis, issued letters on November 25, 2024, and December 30, 2024, announcing the election and a council meeting, respectively. However, these communications reportedly excluded key details and failed to engage with the Synod, raising procedural and constitutional concerns.
The Synod’s Executive Committee expressed apprehensions over the unilateral actions of the Diocese of Peshawar, led by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Humphrey S. Peters. According to the Synod, such actions violate the Constitution and Bishop Election Rules 2007 of the Church of Pakistan.
After deliberations, the committee unanimously passed several resolutions aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance in the election process.
Key Resolutions:
1. Compliance with Election Rules:
The committee emphasized that the election of the Co-adjutor Bishop must strictly adhere to the Constitution and Bishop Election Rules 2007. It must be conducted under the chairmanship of the Synod Moderator to maintain procedural integrity.
2. Formation of a Coordination Committee:
A Coordination Committee was formed to oversee the election process and liaise with the Diocese of Peshawar. Members include:
Rt. Rev. Leo Roderick Paul (Convener)
Rt. Rev. Fredrick John
Rt. Rev. Aleem Anwar
Mr. Shahzad Khurram (General Secretary)
Zaheer Abbas will assist as Coordinator. The committee will engage with diocesan clergy and members to address the Synod’s stance.
- Consequences of Unilateral Actions:
Any unilateral election conducted by the Diocese of Peshawar without Synod involvement will be deemed illegal, unconstitutional, and void ab initio. The Synod warned that such actions could lead to legal consequences. - Non-recognition of an Illegitimate Bishop:
The Synod stated that any successor elected through an unconstitutional process would not be recognized as a Bishop of the Church of Pakistan. Any such individual would be disqualified from holding any position or membership within the Church. - Disciplinary Measures:
Members participating in any unauthorized election process could face revocation of their positions and membership at both national and international levels. A Synod Court will be constituted to address further disciplinary actions. - Synod-Led Election:
To ensure compliance, the Synod authorized the Moderator and General Secretary to initiate and conduct the election of the Co-adjutor Bishop for the Diocese of Peshawar under the guidelines established in the 2007 Bishop Election Rules.
This development highlights ongoing tensions within the Church of Pakistan regarding governance and procedural adherence. Further updates are anticipated as the election date approaches.