04/05/2021 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – According to Pakistan Today, the Christian community of Pakistan peacefully celebrated Easter amid tight security and in adherence the country’s strict COVID-19 protocols.
As a third wave of the pandemic grips Pakistan, Christians feared the government would prohibit Easter gathering. However, Sunday’s successful gathering of Christians was a moment of peace in a country often roiled by religious intolerance.
“Resurrection assures us that life in Jesus Christ overcomes death and his truth overcomes lies and his gift of reconciliation that follows from his risen life overcomes hatred and oppression in this world,” Bishop Azad Marshall said while delivering his Easter sermon at the Central Cathedral of the Praying Hands in Lahore. “May his risen life and continued presence strengthen us in bonds of love and unity.”
Speaking directly to the pandemic, Bishop Marshall said, “One of the ways of being kind is to practice social distancing and following the government’s SOPs strictly so that we can prevent infecting other people. Only precaution will help us in stopping the spread of this virus and return normalcy to our lives.”
Concluding his Easter message, Bishop Marshall thanked the government for its support in allowing Easter services to take place and for providing security.
In a show of interfaith support, Prime Minister Imran Khan and several of his top cabinet officials issued messages of support for Pakistan’s Christians.
“Wishing all our Christian citizens a happy Easter,” Prime Minister Khan tweeted.
“To all my Christian friends. Happy Easter,” Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood tweeted. “May this day bring great joy to you and your families.”
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