LAHORE, Pakistan, SEPT. 11, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Pakistani bishops are appealing to their new president to protect religious minorities, saying the security of religious communities is related to the problem of terrorism.
A message from the president of the Pakistani episcopal conference, Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore, to President Asif Zardari, the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, asked that Christians and non-Muslim confessions would "be able to enjoy their just rights as citizens."
In statements to Vatican Radio, Archbishop Saldanha expressed his concern for the security of minority religious communities, a problem "very much related to terrorism and extremism."
"Greater religious tolerance is necessary and, in the case of discriminatory laws toward minorities and women, greater aid is indispensable," explained the prelate.
Archbishop Saldanha expressed the bishops' satisfaction with the election of Zardari. "In my letter, we assured him of our full support and willingness to cooperate," he said. "We manifested our loyalty to the state and will to continue serving the interests of the country, especially in the areas of health and education."
In fact, illiteracy in Pakistan represents a serious problem.
"Teaching is a priority for us," the Lahore prelate said. "Although we don't receive any help from the state, we maintain a network of schools and colleges frequented both by Christians as well as Muslims."
