Karol Darmoros
One accusation, many victims
During a press conference held by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Fr. Bernard Emmanuel, National Director of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, spoke about the violence that can erupt even as a result of personal conflicts. “A simple rumor or a minor misunderstanding between individuals is turned into an accusation of blasphemy,” the Pakistani priest said. Such allegations are sometimes used to seize other people’s property, and the reaction of a mob can outpace legal action.
The clergyman recalled the attack on Christians in Jaranwala in 2023, when churches and homes were looted and set on fire, and thousands of people fled to the fields seeking shelter. He also pointed to the kidnapping of girls, forced marriages, and forced conversions, as well as the economic exclusion of Christian families. “In Pakistan, they are still treated as second-class citizens and must fight every day for basic security, dignity, and simply for survival,” Fr. Emmanuel noted.
Help for 300 women
This year’s ACN initiative is held under the motto “Pakistan. Hear their cry.” As announced by Fr. Prof. Jan Witold Żelazny, Director of the Polish section of ACN, the support is set to reach 300 young Christian women from the Archdiocese of Lahore. The program will combine religious formation with English language learning, professional skills development, and education on women’s rights and ways to respond to violence.
Fr. Żelazny reminded that ACN has been supporting Pakistani Christians for years. According to the data he presented, over the span of 10 years, more than PLN 63 million has been provided in aid to Pakistan, including support for families affected by attacks and for the protection of girls’ rights. “It is not just about them surviving. It is about them living, being able to develop, and enjoying life in a place that is their homeland,” he emphasized.
An increasingly difficult situation
During the conference, the ACN report titled “Persecuted and Forgotten? 2024–2026” was also presented. According to the document, in 55 percent of the surveyed countries, the situation of Christians has worsened over the past two years. In none of them was any improvement recorded. Fr. Żelazny drew attention to extremist violence as well as repression by authoritarian authorities.
Solidarity of the Church in Poland
In a message prepared for the conference, Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, appealed for prayer, material support, and speaking up for religious freedom.
The 18th Day of Solidarity with the Persecuted Church will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8. One of the places of prayer for the persecuted will be the Sanctuary of the Blessed Martyrs of Podlasie in Pratulin, where Bishop Kazimierz Gurda will celebrate Holy Mass in their intention at 2:00 PM that day.
