The reports of the recent attacks on the Christian communities of Pakistan have left the world horrified.
While the exact extent of the violence remains unclear, as a group of concerned scholars from diverse religious and geographical backgrounds, we unreservedly condemn these attacks.
Our Scriptures espouse the ideals of justice, compassion, and kindness. In the New Testament, we are reminded that: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4: 20). The Noble Qur’an indicates that “if anyone kills a person– unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land– it is as if he kills all mankind, while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind.” (Al-Ma’idah, 5: 32). Our faiths teach us that life is precious. The violent destruction of homes and places of worship directly contradict our religious values. We condemn these atrocious attacks that have put innocent lives at risk. As religious scholars, we have a sacred responsibility to be the voice of reason in opposition to these horrendous events.
We express our moral support and condolences for the Christian community of Pakistan and their leadership. We call all faith communities in Pakistan to unite to promote healing and stand up against anything that fosters and promotes the blind hatred of the religious other.
We also exhort all people of peace-especially those in positions of authority-to take a stand against such wanton destruction and to make every effort to prevent its recurrence in the future.
The Network of Centers for Christian-Muslim Relations (NCCMR)