By ACNS staff

Provinces and dioceses from across the Communion have been sending their condolences to leaders of the Church of Pakistan, and pledging to pray for the Province this Sunday. 

Over the last few days, messages from Anglicans and Episcopalians in countries including India, Scotland and Tanzania were sent to Peshawar Diocese's Bishop Humprey Peters and to the Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, Bishop Samuel Azariah.

They came in response to Sunday's suicide attack on All Saints' Church, Peshawar, in which more than 80 men, women and children were killed, and around 200 were injured. 

Prime Bishop of The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, the Most Revd Dr Edward Malecdan wrote that the Church there was "shocked and greatly appalled at the horrible attack". He said that communities in the country's southern City of Zamboanga had also suffered an attack that had resulted in "unnecessary loss of lives, injuries and displacement of families. 

"In the midst of such aggression, we grieved with those affected," he said, "and have expressed that there should be no end to peace-building as we called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

"For the tragic assault on All Saints' Anglican Church, we echo the same prayer and appeal for peace-building and understanding between diverse religious and ethnic communities in Pakistan."

The Primate of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Bp David Chillingworth, wrote to convey the Church's "deep sympathy and reassurance of [its] prayers", as did several of its bishops. The leaders of the Church of North India condemned the attacks and said the Church was supporting Pakistan in prayer. They also called on the Government of Pakistan to bring the perpertrators to justice

There were also promises - from Church leaders in countries including Ireland; Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia; Papua New Guinea; South Sudan and Tanzania - that their Churches would pray for those affected this coming Sunday, as suggested in a letter to Primates from Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Canon Kenneth Kearon.

Since the attack there have been several protests in countries including India, the UK and the USA calling for greater protection of Christians in Pakistan. Yesterday, the Archbishop of Canterbury told the BBC that Christians were also being singled out for violence in a string of other countries.

Christian communities which have existed “in many cases since the days of Saint Paul” were now under threat in countries such as Syria and Egypt, he said.