ICC Note:

On the 16th anniversary of Bishop John Joseph’s suicide, Christians across Pakistan are remembering the sacrifice the bishop made on behalf of the Christian community. Sixteen years ago, Bishop John Joseph committed suicide in front of the Sahiwal Court in Punjab Province in protest against Pakistan’s abusive blasphemy laws. In a note left by the bishop, he explained that he hoped his desperate act would highlight the issue of blasphemy for the international community and would spark positive change for the Christian community. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws remain on the books and Christians continue to be disproportionately accused and convicted under the controversial set of laws. Please take a moment to remember the Christian community of Pakistan today in your prayers.

5/6/2014 Pakistan (Christian Post) – On the 16th anniversary of Bishop John Joseph’s death, a Pakistan-born human rights campaigner based in the UK, has told the ASSIST News Service that the bishop’s sacrifice continues to “inspire” Pakistani Christians even after all these years.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Faisalabad from 1984-1998, he ended his own life on May 6, 1998 in front of Sahiwal Court in Punjab Province, when he shot himself in protest of the death sentence that had been handed to Christian Ayub Masih – falsely charged under the blasphemy law. Ayub was later released on August 15, 2002 by the Pakistan Supreme Court.

In a final desperate act, the much-loved bishop hoped his sacrifice would end, once and for all, the atrocities being perpetrated against the tiny Christian community in his country.

He wrote prior to his death: “I shall count myself extremely fortunate if in this mission of breaking the barriers, our Lord accepts the sacrifice of my blood for the benefit of his people.”

Nasir Saeed, the director of CLAAS-UK, said, “This is the time to renew the promise to continue the mission he started years ago against the persecution because of blasphemy laws, which are widely being misused to harass and intimidate Christians, burn Christian towns and villages, attack churches and kill innocent Christians in Pakistan.

“He was the bishop of everyone and more than a bishop he was a human rights activist. His struggle for promoting interfaith dialogue and interreligious harmony as well as for social justice and equal rights for Christians is unforgettable, and that is why he was popular among all faiths and denominations.

“He had deep feelings in his heart for the poor and marginalized Christians, and was always ready to take away their suffering. The martyrdom of Bishop John Joseph gives us power and motivation to lead a life in his footsteps, and lay down our lives in a time of suffering, as a good shepherd does for his sheep.”

Mr. Saeed went onto say that attacks on Shanti Nagar, the killing of Naimat Ahmer and Manzoor Masih, forced him to come face to face with his own helplessness.

“Bishop John Joseph decided to make the ultimate protest against the blasphemy laws,” he stated. “When words seemed to fall dead at people’s ears, perhaps one final devastating, and horrifying action would be a cry loud enough for the world not to ignore.

“How much more life must be lost to persuade Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif to bring changes and stop blasphemy laws being misused against Christians. It seems that the bloodshed of Christians means nothing to Pakistani politicians and the present government.

It has been 16 years since Bishop John Joseph left us, but he continues to inspire us even today. He was the symbol of peace and justice, and played a prophetic role for the Christian community. He is example to many, especially those working to protect Christian minorities and their rights, so Christians can live in Pakistan with honor and dignity. Shahbaz Bhatti was one of those who followed in his footsteps and he also gave his life for his people and there are many waiting their turn.

“It is difficult to speak about and demand changes to the blasphemy laws and those who speak are threatened for their life or killed like Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti. But recent statements from the British Prime Minister, and earlier from the American President Obama, about the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan are very encouraging, but the international community must take this matter seriously as Christians are living under constant fear for their lives and have no future in Pakistan because of this law.”

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