The Asian Human Rights Commission reports that Pakistan’s blasphemy law continues to claim victims, while outrages against human rights tolerated by the government and court system include the forced conversion of almost 2,000 Hindu and Christian girls, many of whom were kidnapped and raped. At least 161 people were indicted and nine were killed in extrajudicial executions in 2011 because of accusations of blasphemy that “are false in 95 percent of cases.” The commission documented the killing of 18 human rights activists and 16 journalists last year. Among the 2011 victims were Punjab’s Governor Salman Taseer and the federal minister for minorities, Shabhaz Bhatti. These “murders [were] committed by religious extremist groups infiltrated in the police force,” according to the commission.
Human Rights Crisis In Pakistan
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My Catholic identity and my wife’s Protestant identity continue to endure, and our faith has developed together in greater harmony, knowing that our love for each other was ultimately grounded in our love for God.
the wily accuser
tempted him in just the way to confuse a savior:
All this I will give you.
Daydreams and memory are saving some
Down there from shame
As a Black person who sometimes ministers in predominantly white parishes, I can appreciate how easy it is to feel out of place. It makes all the difference to hear words of welcome.