A delegation from Minority Concern presented a petition to Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally – a spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican communion – at the Lambeth Palace in London, according to Aftab Alexander Mughal who heads the UK-based minority rights organization.
During the visit, the archbishop hosted a special evening prayer service in the chapel at the Lambeth Palace, where prayers were offered for Christians, particularly girls who have been victims of forced conversion and forced marriage. Following the service, the delegation members formally presented the petition to the archbishop. Besides Aftab Alexander, Saleem Gurdas, and Esther Das were also included in the delegation.
Minority Concern is an advocacy organization working to raise awareness of the challenges faced by religious minorities, and other vulnerable communities in Pakistan. Through advocacy, public engagement, and dialogue with faith leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations, they seek to promote human dignity, freedom of religion or belief, equal citizenship, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
“We sought your prayers and support regarding the ongoing plight of Christian girls who are vulnerable to forced conversion and forced marriage. These cases represent some of the most serious human rights concerns facing religious minority communities today and continue to cause deep suffering for victims, their families, and their wider communities,” according to the petition. Pakistan’s religious minorities make valuable contributions to the society, yet many continue to face discrimination, social exclusion, economic disadvantage, and limited access to justice, they said.
Within this broader context, young Christian girls were particularly vulnerable, they said, adding that reports from human rights organizations, community leaders, and affected families continue to highlight cases in which girls were abducted, coerced or pressured into converting to another faith, and married against their will. “Families often face significant social and legal barriers in seeking protection and pursuing justice.” Behind every statistic is a young person whose childhood, education, safety, and future have been disrupted, they said.
The petition further stated that the families affected by these experiences frequently endure trauma, fear, and uncertainty, while many feel their voices remain unheard. The emotional, social, and spiritual impact can be profound and long-lasting, it said. “As Christians, we are called to uphold dignity and worth of every human being, particularly those who are vulnerable. The protection of children and young people is not only a human rights concern but also a safeguarding imperative.”
“We believe the global church has an important role in standing alongside those who suffer injustice and in speaking with compassion and conviction on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves,” the petition said. It further noted that the archbishop’s voice carries significant moral and spiritual authority across the Anglican communion and beyond. “Public recognition of these concerns would bring encouragement to affected communities and help draw attention to the need for greater protection of vulnerable girls. It would also reassure families that the wider church has not forgotten them.”
The petition appreciated the church’s commitment to justice, peace, reconciliation, and the defense of human dignity. It stated that these values provide a strong foundation for continued engagement with issues affecting vulnerable religious minorities. It requested that the church continue promoting awareness of the challenges faced by minority communities and support efforts that advance religious freedom, equal rights, and the protection of young people. It called for greater dialogue between church leaders, human rights advocates, and affected communities to explore practical ways of strengthening protection for vulnerable girls and supporting survivors of abuse and exploitation.
