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It gives me great pleasure to send you this message of greetings and best wishes
as you prepare to celebrate the Episcopal Silver Jubilee year of Dr Alexander John
Malik, Moderator of the Church of Pakistan. Bishop Malik is no stranger to the
World Council of Churches and the international ecumenical movement. As a
member of the WCC's Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, he has
contributed much to the discussions on new forms of mission in religiously-plural
societies. For him the best way to witness the gospel is through practice.
Evangelism does not necessarily mean bringing in new people but in making our
own people true Christians. In his Easter message to Pakistan's Daily Times in
April 2004, Bishop Malik said "the primary message of Easter was the life-giving power
which transformed Jesus' disciples. It does not happen through structures and systems, but
by the person of Christ. The church should be a living witness of his resurrection power."
Bishop Malik is a worthy son of Pakistan, having made immense contributions
in the fields of education and health for which he was awarded a "Star of Distinction"
from the Government of Pakistan in 2000.
Living in a predominantly Islamic society, Bishop Malik has endeavoured to foster
inter-religious dialogue as a vehicle to promote peace and harmony amongst
Christians and Muslims. However, in times of crisis when confronted with the
situation of harassment and persecution of Christians, he has not failed to speak
out. Describing the blasphemy law as the hated "black laws" he is on record as
saying such laws are a "licence to harass, enslave and eliminate minorities and
legalize religious persecution."
On this auspicious occasion, we wish Bishop Alexander John Malik a long and
fruitful mission as he continues with his ministry of building bridges of peace
and solidarity between the Muslim and Christian communities of Pakistan; and
as a revered religious leader who continues to speak out against injustice, social
marginalization, discrimination and exploitation.
May Our Lord's eternal blessing be with him as he continues to serve all God's
people.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
