Aid to ‘intolerant’ Pak proof of UK’s “anti-Christian” policy: Church leader
March 15th, 2011 - 2:49 pm ICT by ANI
London, Mar.15 (ANI): A Roman Catholic Church leader in Scotland has accused the David Cameron led coalition Government of pursuing an “anti-Christian” foreign policy by increasing overseas aid to Pakistan.
“To increase aid to the Pakistan government when religious freedom is not upheld and those who speak up for religious freedom are gunned down is tantamount to an anti-Christian foreign policy,” the Scotsman quoted Cardinal Keith O’Brien, as saying.
He was amazed that aid was being provided to Pakistan inspite of the killing of Shahbaz Bhatti, the only Christian in the Pakistan cabinet.
“Pressure should now be put on the government of Pakistan - and the governments of the Arab world as well - to ensure that religious freedom is upheld, the provision of aid must require a commitment to human rights,” Cardinal O’Brien said.
O’Brien said Christians in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq face violence, intolerance and even death because of their beliefs, and this is both shocking and saddening.
Reports reveal that the Christian population in some countries is collapsing. (ANI)
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