Gujranwala: August 15, 2013. (Fr. Inayat Bernard) “It is encouraging thing to keep making efforts to maintain unity among the churches”. Professor Dr. Arthur James was talking to some 80 participants gathered at the Presbyterian church in Gujranwala city for the first ever inter-denominational peace seminar held with the courtesy of Arif M Siraj, the moderator of Presbyterian church in Pakistan. He said that St. Peter got the apostles together in Jerusalem to discuss import matter for the early Christians and that was the sign of their unity and came up with the common decision for the future of the church. Their gatherings at Jerusalem and Antioch are example for us for church unity. He said that the World Council Churches has taken the initiative for church unity and is working in collaboration with the Vatican. The Ecumenism and evangelical efforts in an united way will bring more fruit. He appreciated the Ecumenical Unity Committee’s (EUC) arrival in Gujranwala to promote unity among official churches. Coordinator of EUC and parish priest of St. Joseph Church Lahore Cantt. Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap said that “We are determined to bridge the gap among the denominations and provide occasions to come together at different forums to show our unity in a visible manner.” Fr. Nadeem said that the representatives of four official churches; Salvation Army, Church of Pakistan ,Presbyterian church in Pakistan and the Catholic Church have spent a day visiting different institutions in the Christian Technical Training Centre compound. He said that we appreciate the work done for the progress of the country in different fields of life. He expected that the institutions will continue making their utmost efforts for promotion of peace and tolerance through their talents. Salvation Army divisional commander Major Salamt Masih said that it was his first time to enter the compound other CTTC and first time to come to the church for this peace seminar. He appreciated that efforts of EUC through which he was able to come together and express his ideas for promotion of peace in Pakistan society. While thanking the host Arif M.Siraj, he prayed that “may we be blessed to remain united for the glory of God”. Church of Pakistan Diocese of Raiwind’s Vicar General Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar said that we are going through an era of terrorism and shameful for our country. IN this situation unity among denominations for peace has not only to be through words but shown in a practical way and toady we have expressed this by our gathering here. He said that love is greater than fear all around us. Our identity and presence in Pakistan is very important. Fr. Philip John, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, Gujranwala said that in the recent Francisabad tragedy all the denominations and especially Presbyterian church was with us and we experienced a good and effective cooperation. He said that no doubt we get together in the time of crisis but it is important to meet in the peaceful times as well. Our gathering for peace seminar will have positive effects for unity among churches. Church of Pakistan Diocese of Lahore’s Dean of Lahore Cathedral Shahid Miraj said that St. Thomas the Apostle of Jesus Christ brought the message of peace in the first century to our land and we have the spiritual pride to be very Pakistani. The message of peace, love and forgiveness taught by him has to go on not only in the difficult times but in the peaceful times as well. Rev. Sharif Alam of the Presbyterian Church said that since we are family of disunity in the country, therefore the teaching peace has to be included in the syllabus in the education system. By this the hatred and intolerance among religions will be diminished and we will be able to have peace which is initiated by Jesus Christ; the Prince of Peace. Fr. Inayat Bernard, Rector of St. Mary’s Seminary said that the EUC was established in October 2012 and since then have conduced Ecumenical Christmas Carol 2012,Unity Octave programs in 2013 and 2nd Alleluia Conference all in Lahore. It was the first time for EUC to come out of Lahore and extend this unity and peace process in the other cities of Punjab and hoped that this unity will extend to the whole country. At the end in his thanksgiving remarks the host and the moderator of the Presbyterian church in Pakistan Arif M.Siraj thanked the Ecumenical Unity Committee and the participants of the peace seminar. He said that despite the heavy rain the seminar has been successful and the message of peace will go around and have a good effect. He thanked the key note address by Dr. Arthur James, the local pastor of St. Paul Church Rev. Asher Siraj and all the promoters of peace though thier presence. Other speakers included Frs. Benjamin Joseph, Jahanzeb Iqbal, Shakeel Luqa, Rev. IB Rocky and Saleem Khokhar, The emcee was Rev. Amjad Niamat of the Presbyterian Church who facilitated the warm welcome by the local community members by putting garlands to the guests while the readings and singing was done by the local church choir. Fr. Shahzad Khokhar OFM Cap associate priest at St. Joseph Church, Lahore Cantt. led in the peace prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.