Pakistan University Opens its First Christian Church

Pakistan University Opens its First Christian Church

-

In a move to a more religiously free campus life, an Islamic university in Pakistan has opened a Christian chapel, a first in the South Asian nation.

St. Mary’s Church opened at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad on April 15, 2018. The University is one of the top research institutions in the country and is located in Pakistan’s third most populous city. A land of more than 200 acres was given for the construction of St. Mary’s, reports Sight Magazine.

Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, the university’s vice chancellor, said they have Christian students and employees, and having a Christian chapel is the answer to their religious needs.

Archbishop Joseph Arshad, the president of Pakistan’s bishops’ conference, is elated to have a chapel inside the university. He said it “will leave a message of love and harmony.”

In an interview with Crux, Arshad said the inauguration of the church will have positive effects inside the campus.

“Respect for other religions, giving a message of peace and harmony, facilitating the integration of religious minorities into larger society, demonstrating the importance of learning and knowing about other religions, and allowing students of different religions to learn to live together,” he said.

Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, the university’s vice chancellor, said they have Christian students and employees, and having a Christian chapel is the answer to their religious needs.

“The mosque or church both are sacred places for worship of God and I believe in interfaith harmony and said church building on the university’s premises is a living example of Christian-Muslim brotherhood,” said Dr. Iqbal.

Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country and Christians make up only 1.5% of the total population. The country’s blasphemy law has been used to persecute religious minorities, mostly against Christians.

Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team said the blasphemy law “has been used to foment disorder, anarchy, disrespect for the law [and] vigilante mobs, which is bad for all of Pakistan, not to mention how oppressive it is to the people who are subject to it.”

Cecil S. Chaudhry of the bishops’ conference said St. Mary’s Church will bridge gaps between Muslims and Christians. He said, it is “a message of respecting members of different faiths in all spheres of life especially educational institutions.”

Sources:
Crux
Sight Magazine

spot_img
Joyce Dimaculangan
Joyce Dimaculangan
Joyce has more than 15 years experience writing news, industry articles and blogs for the private and public sectors. Most of her career was spent writing technical documentation for a software company in the Philippines. She earned a B.A. in Communication Arts with a concentration in writing from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. During her leisure time, Joyce pursues her interest in reading fiction and playing with her dogs. She can be contacted at Joyce@1cvm.com.
West Palm Beach
clear sky
47 ° F
49 °
44.1 °
70 %
2.9mph
0 %
Thu
61 °
Fri
69 °
Sat
78 °
Sun
71 °
Mon
72 °
spot_img

Palm Beach

How to Start and Run a Thriving Dinner Club this Year

In today’s fast-paced world, finding meaningful ways to connect with others can feel like a lost art. But what...

Hoffman Adding Buoyancy to Seafarers at the Port of Palm Beach

When one thinks of the sea, words such as power and awe, intense and majestic, and even serene come...

Brad Finch Now Leading SoB at First Pres North Palm Beach

Brad Finch of North Palm Beach, who hails from Taupo, New Zealand, has recently (Jan, 2023) taken the helm...

A Growing Movement: Backyard Food Forests

There’s something happening. A revival of sorts. A harkening back to old ways. Skills that have been on the...

Holy Water Hits Top Charts in Christian Music

In spite of the controversy over the subject of "Holy Water" by We the Kingdom, the song is reaching...

Palm Beach

NeuroArts Symposium ‘Rhythms for the Brain’ Coming to Kravis Center in March

There is a lightness in the air that permeates...

Scripture Songs and Flowers, All For The Children

Gina Cerise, born in Belleville, New Jersey and raised...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you