A House United: Pakistani Presbyterian Church Leaders Put Aside Decades of Division

In a historic move, Pakistani Presbyterian church leaders gathered on March 25 to put aside years of division and infighting, bringing together three factions that had split from the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan (PCP) over issues of power and corruption. The 20 leaders, representing nearly 300 churches, met in a home and later at Gujranwala Theological Seminary, making a pledge for unity without legal documents or contracts, but rather through trust and conversation. This marked a significant step towards healing the divisions that had weakened the church, which were often sparked by disputes over leadership and presbyteries, sometimes consisting of only one member, and had led to court cases and turmoil in congregations. The move towards unity was driven by a shared desire to mend broken bonds and restore the church’s mission, with leaders now working towards a united assembly under one leader.

The pursuit of unity among Pakistani Presbyterian church leaders has been motivated by a desire to return to the church’s original mission of carrying out the Great Commission and sharing the gospel. Leaders like Reuben Qamar and Javed Gill have been convicted by biblical passages such as John 17:20-23 and 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 to put aside divisions and work towards a united assembly under one leader. The goal is to restore the church’s good standing and reputation, which had been tarnished by power struggles and court cases. Despite challenges and opposition, the leaders are committed to forgiveness and are working towards a general assembly in September, where they will step down and allow the house to appoint a single moderator. Through monthly meetings and joint visits to churches, they aim to advocate for unity and strengthen the body of Christ in Pakistan.

The reconciliation efforts among Pakistani Presbyterian church leaders have been welcomed, but some pastors and leaders are emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach. Majeed Abel, executive secretary in Arif Siraj’s former faction, highlighted the importance of reconciling split presbyteries, while Sheraz Sharif Alam and Romella Robinson, pastors in Gakhar, Gujranwala, shared their experiences of how the divisions have impacted local ministry, including financial struggles and halted projects.

The financial woes of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan (PCP) began in 2018, with one faction controlling bank accounts and using funds for litigation and securing favors. This led to partners like the US-based Outreach Foundation stopping their funding due to corruption and lack of accountability. Pastors like Alam and Robinson rely on tithes and offerings to survive, and some must take on other work to support their families. While leaders have made progress in reconciliation, greater transparency and inclusion of younger pastors are needed. The ongoing persecution of Christians in Pakistan may also prompt a deeper desire for unity among the factions.