The Bishop of Bradford will lead a group of Christians later in the month in a visit to Pakistan to develop ways of establishing closer collaboration between the Christian and Muslim communities.
The visit to Pakistan, regarded as a key country in the fight against terrorism, follows the foiled terrorist plots to blow up flights between the UK and the US.
The Rt Rev David James will lead the group of Christians from his own Diocese of Bradford in the 10-day visit to begin on 24 August, reports The Church of England Newspaper.
The group’s visit will cover the historic city of Lahore, before they move on to Rawalpindi, Islamabad and the women-only Jinnah University.
The visit will also take in Azad Kashmir, where the majority of Bradford’s Muslim community originate from.
Bishop James said this week: “I want to deepen my understanding of a country which plays such a central role in the lives of many in Bradford. This is my second visit to Pakistan. Last time I met Asian Christians, but this time I’ll be meeting Christians and Muslims, so I’ll gain a broader perspective.
“And as we witness how Christians and Muslims relate to one another we hope to bring back positive examples of co-operation.”
The Rev Canon Arun John, founder of an Asian Christian Ministry service at St Paul’s, Manningham in Bradford, will join Bishop James' team.
Canon John expressed his desire to deepen his understanding of Christian-Muslim relations.
“My first priority is to connect with the Pakistani Christians,” he shared. “Secondly it is very important for me as an Asian Christian to understand the dynamics of the relationship between the two communities; those in Pakistan and those over here.”
Also in the group are Dr Philip Lewis, Lecturer at the Peace Studies Department of Bradford University and the Bishop of Bradford’s Interfaith Advisor; the Rev Canon Frances Ward, Residentiary Canon at Bradford Cathedral; Sandra Herbert of the National Christian Muslim Forum and Canon Guy Wilkinson, Interfaith Adviser to the Archbishop of Canterbury.