PESHAWAR: Humphrey Sarfaraz Peter, Bishop of All Saints Church in Pakistan, has condemned desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and called for interfaith harmony and religious tolerance to ensure respect for religious beliefs of others.

In a statement issued here on Monday, he said it was collective responsibility of all the people irrespective of their beliefs to respect each other’s religions and play role for global peace and prosperity.

He described the incident extremely unfortunate, which triggered riots in different parts of the world.

He said the Christian community in Pakistan was protesting against the desecration of Holy Quran, adding it was tantamount to a crime against humanity.

Bishop Sarfaraz Peter said the act was a conspiracy to encourage the deplorable acts perpetrated by hate-mongers, far-right extremists and other radical groups.

He reiterated that the desecration of sacred books and places of worship as well as religious symbols should be vehemently repudiated by all faith actors. He called on religious leaders across the faith spectrum to renew their denunciation of all forms of violence based on religion or belief.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2020