Friends,

I write to request that you pray for brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Pakistan. Last week 21 churches were burned, and many Christians fled from their homes and went into hiding to avoid the threat of harm. Video footage records church buildings being burned, crosses toppled from brick facades and scenes of mobs celebrating the desecration of these buildings.

I ask you to join me in prayer for the people of Pakistan and for Christians who are persecuted around the globe. Prayer may seem a small measure in response to such a grievous harm. The goal of our prayer is to stand in solidarity with Christians in Pakistan in this tumultuous season, to offer them spiritual encouragement, and condemn these attacks.

The government of Pakistan has a stated desire to protect the welfare of all its citizens. Let us pray that it will continue to intervene, stop this violence, and bring those who have perpetrated harm to justice. 

In Christ,

Bishop Tom Berlin
Resident Bishop, Florida Conference
The United Methodist Church