March 23, 2006

Dear Friends,

The lo-mein, and the garlic prawns were gone, as was most of the fried rice. As the dregs of the jasmine tea were poured, we all began to collect our things to leave. All of us, except Arthur. The Rev. Dr. Arthur James is the moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, the partner church of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He is also the principal of the Gujranwala Theological Seminary, where I teach. Arthur was sitting very still and obviously thinking very hard. Then, even though some of us had begun shaking hands goodbye, Arthur said “Could everyone sit down, please? I have something to say!” We all looked at each other and quickly took our seats.

Around the table was an unusual group, at least for a Tuesday afternoon in Lahore: Muslim and Christian, American and Pakistani, men and women. The scene was unusual enough that the restaurant staff stood in a rapt semi-circle to watch (and as my friend Nosheen observed, to listen) as we talked earnestly and cordially. Not only was the group’s makeup unusual, but also were the topics of conversation — Christian-Muslim relations, the (usually) unspoken oppression of the Christian minority, the lack of opportunity for Christian youth for educational and vocational advancement. Such topics are usually broached only in the living room of trusted friends; to hear them discussed in public with such a mixed group (and with an anonymous audience) is radical, indeed.

That no one was punished for this (besides the unjustly accused Christian, who was in jail for three months, even after the officials knew the charges were false) plus the fact that more churches were burned under equally false pretenses in the following months in Sukkur, Peshawar, and Sargodha did not breed interfaith harmony.

But that was not what was under discussion at this luncheon. Instead, we had gathered for a celebration, expressions of goodwill, and gratitude. A Pakistani-American woman, Nasim Khan, along with other Pakistani-American women was as horrified with this story as you and I are. Moreover, the thought that others would think that such behavior was typical, acceptable, or excusable to Muslims was a complete betrayal of her convictions about Islam. Others have expressed the same ideas, of course, but Nasim Khan actually decided to do something to show her revulsion at this outrage. She and other members of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society of Virginia raised $25,000 to assist in the rebuilding of the churches. She, her husband, and youngest daughter had brought the money to Pakistan personally to give to church leaders, and on behalf of Muslims in northern Virginia to offer an apology to the Christian people of Pakistan.

The conversation around the table was surprisingly frank on all sides, and there was more agreement than any of us thought possible. It was Arthur’s words, however, that most affected us most:

“Friends,” he said, “I have been in ministry of one kind or another for 50 years in this country. In that time, the majority [the Pakistani Christians’ code-word for Muslims] has done many things to hurt and damage the minority [code-word for Christians, and followers of other religions, as well as unacceptable sects of Islam]. In all of that time, I have never had an imam, a single Muslim come to me to say ‘sorry.’” Tears formed in his eyes. “Today,” he said, “my faith in the goodness of the Muslim people has been restored.”

Tears do not fall down the face of Pakistani men, except on great, and unusual occasion. But there was not a dry eye at the table that afternoon. Including mine.

To be sure, $25,000 will not rebuild the churches, homes, convent, and schools in Sangla Hill. Surely, no amount could truly mend lost civic trust, and wounded, disordered lives. But on that day, a step was made, and a savage blow delivered against hatred, animosity, bigotry, and repression. Love and compassion was shown, and mercy was offered, accepted, and returned. It is certainly too sanguine to say that this gift heralds a new day between Muslims and Christians, but it is no exaggeration to say it was a day of renewal, trust, and genuine friendship. It was a day of true spiritual blessing.

Robert Johnson

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 112