I condemn the assassination of Mr. Bhatti – Pakistan’s only cabinet-level Christian and an outspoken critic of the country’s blasphemy laws – by suspected Islamic extremists.

This was a cowardly act and is another blow against religious tolerance for Christians and all minorities in Pakistan. He was a devoted and outspoken advocate in protecting the rights of all minorities, not only in Pakistan, but around the world.

This comes on the heels of the assassination of Punjab Province Governor Salman Taseer two months ago and the sentencing of Asia Noreen (Bibi) to death on blasphemy charges last year. Obviously, Muslim extremists are determined to purge the country of anyone supporting the release of Asia and the possible repeal of the blasphemy laws.

Unfortunately, Pakistan is becoming a country of martyrs.

I plead for Christians to unite in prayer for the situation in Pakistan and the toll it is taking on Christians and other minorities. God answers prayers in a mighty way – just last week Christian aid worker Said Musa was released from prison in Afghanistan after concerted prayer.


Moeller says some of the prayer requests include:

• Comfort for the Bhatti family in this time of mourning for loss of a loved one
• New Christian leaders will rise up to the fill the vacuum of the assassinations of Bhatti and Taseer
• Christians will not let fear dominate their lives, but remain strong in the faith
• The perpetrators of the assassinations will be brought to justice, and the Lord will work in their hearts to seek forgiveness
• Blasphemy laws in Pakistan and in other Muslim-dominated countries will be overturned.