Unity starts with understanding. In a country that’s overwhelmingly Muslim, Pakistani Christians need to feel unity from their Muslim brothers and sisters.
The Pakistan church fires months ago halted progress toward unity, but they will not stop that progress outright. Pakistani Christians and Muslims have been coming together in response to the horrific attacks. Muslims — in Pakistan and around the world — denounced the attacks and made a point to say: not in our name.
And where denouncing is the first step, action must be the second. The mob that attacked the churches also attacked nearby Christian homes and communities. Zakat Foundation of America dispatched its emergency response team to assist victimized Pakistani Christian families who reside near the vandalized churches. The nonprofit is providing food and everyday essentials to the victims as short-term relief.
Zakat Foundation of America, in partnership with community leaders in Pakistan’s Punjab province, where the attacks happened, has been helping rebuild churches and their respective communities. The 26 Pakistan church fires are being actively combated with interfaith efforts that build unity and trust. Zakat Foundation of America’s long-term plan is to rebuild four churches that were burned down. Pakistan's Christian minority needs assistance to rebuild homes and places of worship.
To help keep victims afloat, Zakat Foundation of America is providing:
Cleaning and hygiene supplies, including laundry powder, dishwashing bards and soap.
Food package for a family of five. They include but are not limited to rice, lentils, sugar, spices, oil and tea.
Bedding and kitchen supplies. Other home supplies include pots, pans, a fan, water coolers, sleeping mats, two beds, bed sheets, blankets, mattress and pillows.
Support toward rebuilding the churches.
Muslims and Christians share many aspects of faith — most importantly: the belief in one God. The message and teachings may vary, sometimes in nuance and other times in the big picture, but the core remains the same. And that shared core is cause for unity.