Christians Under Attack

terrorist act that has affected them and we express our support and solidarity."

This is what Catholic Bishop Max John Rodrigues of Hyderabad said in an interview. following the suicide bombing at a Muslim Sufi shrine in Lahore that killed 42 people and injured hundreds. A state of "maximum alert" of security forces has been established in Pakistan, but there is still great fear, especially among the people of Lahore.

Bishop Rodrigues continued, "The Sufi Muslims are peaceful, open to dialogue, and cooperation with everyone. This is why the extremists go after them, as they considered them heretics. In March 2009, a Sufi shrine in Peshawar was destroyed by a bomb planted by the Taliban. Now this terrorist act against the innocent: the Sufis and their mentality based on the principles of love are a target for the sectarian and narrow ideology of radical groups."

Bishop Rodrigues concludes: "We do not know who is behind the attack. We are deeply saddened. Terrorism is a treacherous enemy; it remains unseen and in hiding. In the country, there is much talk of fighting terrorism, but so far the institutions have failed to defeat it and the people are afraid."

Francis Mehboob Sada, a Catholic and Director of the Christian Study Center in Rawalpindi - popular ecumenical center for documentation, study, and reflection, also active in interfaith dialogue - supports the Bishop's analysis and tells Fides: "The terrorists attack the Sufi precisely because they are Muslims who preach peace and dialogue. For this attitude, Sufi Islam is gaining increasing consensus and followers in Pakistan. Also, that shrine in Lahore is a place frequented by many poor people who receive daily support and solidarity. Many go there to pray. The attack was therefore particularly cruel, trying to strike innocent people and discourage the faithful from following Sufism.

Sada said "The Christian Study Center has an excellent relationship with the leaders of Sufi Muslims. We recently held a conference highlighting the close relationship between Sufi mysticism and peace. As Pakistani Christians, we will continue to work with the Sufi, in a serene and constructive dialogue for the good of the nation."

As for the spreading phenomenon of terrorism, the Director explains: "Terrorism is strong and sowing panic. The terrorist groups, with an ideological Islam, often manipulate the poor and uneducated youth. Some prominent Islamic leaders insist that such terrorist acts are against Islam. But, we need to work on education and information from institutions and the media. The government and the army reiterate the commitment to combat terrorism on a daily basis. Indeed, it seems that the institutions are powerless. Even the recent G8 summit has reaffirmed the need for urgent external assistance to combat terrorism in Pakistan."

 

http://www.energypublisher.com