Church Leaders and Government officials pay Tributes to

Church Leaders and Government officials pay Tributes to
Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan Federal Minister for Minorities
at a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving

CANDLES were lit in S. Margaret’s Church, next to Westminster Abbey, in London on Thursday 17th March 2011 at 6.30pm in memory of murdered Federal Minister for Minorities in Pakistan, Mr Shahbaz Bhatti. Church Leaders Including the Archbishop of Canterbury and a Catholic Bishop representing the Archbishop of Westminster, the High Commissioner For Pakistan, a Government Minister, MP’s and Lords attended the Service.

In his sermon the Bishop of Pontefract said: “Our tribute to Shahbaz and our resolve will be to follow his love of truth and justice. Not limited by fear in the face of adversity and persecution. And having the courage to continue his work to fight against discrimination, intolerance and religious disharmony, and to cherish the idea of a multifaith society in which all persons would live together in harmony with equal opportunities.”

Canon Yaqub Masih who met with Mr Bhatti when he went with a delegation in December 2009 on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury said in his tribute: ,

“Shahbaz lived his life fighting for the rights of minorities in Pakistan saying he had decided to give his life to serve others, as he believed Christ had done for him. He is a martyr for his faith. Sadly his Christian principles were the very thing that caused his death. Those who killed him used the gun to silence him rather than enter into open debate and discussion. He is not with us today but his memories will always remain with us. His principles ,his Values and his fight for the rights of the minorities in Pakistan. I pray to God that he will raise other leaders like Shahbaz Bhatti who will stand for every citizen of Pakistan and make Pakistan a better and more peaceful Country to live in. ”

Mr. Masih also read tribute on behalf of the retired Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry, who could not attend the service due to personal reasons wrote in his tribute: “Shahbaz Bhatti has left us shattered, shocked, heartbroken and angry. The religious minorities in Pakistan have lost a bold and courageous leader. who despite all threats and warnings continued to fearlessly raise a voice against discrimination and religious intolerance. As for me, my loss goes beyond all the above – i have lost a son.”

Tributes were also given by Mr. Alistair Burt Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Bishop Alexander Malik, Bishop of Lahore who had flown to England for the service.

The candle lit service was organised by the Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt Rev. Tony Robinson and Lay Canon Yaqub Masih (Chairman of Pakistan Christian Concern).