Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo, has spoken out over the recent spate of false blasphemy accusations and attacks against Christians in Pakistan.

“I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of attacks on Christians and churches in the Faisalabad district in Pakistan."

Bishop Anthony Poggo has been in contact with Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, the Most Rev Dr Azad Marshall who has decried the violence and called for action.

"I join [Bishop Azad] in calling for justice and action from law enforcement. Christians and other religious communities are being unjustly persecuted as a result of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.” 

The mob attacks occurred in the town of Jaranwala, which is in the Diocese of Faisalabad.

Reports state that six churches, including a Catholic church and Presbyterian church, have been burned and clergy attacked. 

Bishop Azad, who is also Bishop of Raiwind issued the following statement while the attacks were still underway.

“Words fail me as I write this. We, Bishops, Priests and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident in the Faisalabad District in Pakistan. A church building is being burned as I type this message. Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been tortured and harassed having been falsely accused of violating the Holy Quran.”  

“We cry out for justice and action from law enforcement and those who dispense justice and the safety of all citizens to intervene immediately and assure us that our lives are valuable in our own homeland that has just celebrated independence and freedom.” 

Bishop Anthony Poggo has called on Anglicans around the Communion to uphold the victims of the attacks, and the churches and people of Pakistan in prayer.