by David Virtue, VOL
This transcript captures an interview with Bishop Azad Marshall of the Church of Pakistan regarding the withdrawal of an award from Maulana Tahir Ashrafi.
Bishop Marshall explained that the Church of Pakistan was not aware of Ashrafi’s previous remarks praising Osama bin Laden and defending the blasphemy laws, noting that he has since worked closely with Christian communities and supported minority rights. The bishop expressed disappointment that proper due diligence was not conducted before the award was given and then withdrawn, stating that this has damaged interfaith relations and the Church of Pakistan’s relationship with the Anglican Communion. He called for an apology from the Archbishop of Canterbury and indicated he would make a formal apology himself, while also refusing to participate in an upcoming ACC meeting until a sincere apology is received.
Bishop Marshall defended Tahir Ashrafi’s recent actions, stating that he has been supportive of the Christian community and has helped with various issues, including providing security for Archbishop Justin Welby’s visit to Peshawar.
Read also: Canterbury’s Broken Bread: The Ashrafi Award and a Vulnerable Church Betrayed by Michelle Samuel, VOL