Holy Mass in the Catholic Church of St John in Youhanabad.
Children from Ghartal Parish pray the Rosary in Chak Jhumra Town.
» Many Christians in Pakistan are falsely accused of blasphemy and imprisoned. «
Shagufta Kausar, victim of false blasphemy accusations
Visitors to a parish in Lahore being forced to undergo a security check.
viewed the Supreme Court’s rejection of a government report on the attacks in Jaranwala on the grounds of inadequacy as a positive development. It was the first time that anti-Christian attacks have been taken so seriously. On the basis of false blasphemy accusations against two Christians, a mob of over 7,000 people destroyed 26 churches and chapels and hundreds of Christian homes in Jaranwala in Punjab Province on 16 August 2023. Despite being a minority, Pakistani Christians possess a strong faith. The local Church is very lively and is developing dynamically. The churches are full of predominantly young believers. In addition to priests, catechists also play an indispensable role in proclaiming the faith. ACN supports their training and promotes various pastoral programmes aimed at strengthening the faith, such as in the youth ministry. ACN also provides Mass stipends to many priests and enables them to participate in spiritual retreats, ensuring they do not experience burnout amidst their numerous challenges. Further funds were channelled into the procurement of vehicles for pastoral care and the construction and renovation of church buildings during the reporting year.
ACN helps to build protective walls against violence
Unfortunately, attacks on churches, in which angry crowds storm church properties and wreak havoc, occur repeatedly in Pakistan. In order to better protect the faithful, security measures need to be expanded and strengthened. Due to the particularly
dangerous situation, ACN is providing exceptional financial aid to implement more effective security measures in churches, monasteries and seminaries. This includes the construction of protective walls.
ACN Activity Report 2024 | 81 Asia/Oceania – Pakistan |
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