Pakistan Bishop Boycotts Anglican Council, Demands Canterbury Apology Over Snubbed Muslim Peacemaker

September 19, 2026

This transcript captures an interview with Bishop Azad Marshall of the Church of Pakistan regarding the withdrawal of an award from Maulana Tahir Ashrafi.

Bishop Marshall explained that the Church of Pakistan was not aware of Ashrafi’s previous remarks praising Osama bin Laden and defending the blasphemy laws, noting that he has since worked closely with Christian communities and supported minority rights. The bishop expressed disappointment that proper due diligence was not conducted before the award was given and then withdrawn, stating that this has damaged interfaith relations and the Church of Pakistan’s relationship with the Anglican Communion. He called for an apology from the Archbishop of Canterbury and indicated he would make a formal apology himself, while also refusing to participate in an upcoming ACC meeting until a sincere apology is received.

Bishop Marshall defended Tahir Ashrafi’s recent actions, stating that he has been supportive of the Christian community and has helped with various issues, including providing security for Archbishop Justin Welby’s visit to Peshawar.

Tahir Ashrafi’s Interfaith Harmony Work

Bishop Marshall recounted Tahir Ashrafi’s work protecting minorities and Christians. He particularly cited the case of a young Christian girl with Down’s syndrome and the Maulana’s personal commitment to justice in her case and to her religious freedom and safety. When the girl was accused of blasphemy, Ashrafi “went all out to protect her and speak on her behalf.”

Bishop Marshall explained that Tahir Ashrafi’s motivation comes from his contact with Christians over the years and his desire to promote inter-religious harmony, noting his official role as head of the Pakistan government’s peace committee.

They also discussed a meeting between Tahir Ashrafi and Justin Welby. Welby had nominated him for the award and invited him to dinner at his home immediately before the award was presented. Bishop Marshall expressed disappointment about the withdrawal. Not only does this disregard former Archbishop Welby’s hospitality, he said, but also his keen insight into matters of interfaith harmony and how they unfold in the real world.

Award Withdrawal Controversy

Bishop Marshall discussed the controversial past of Tahir Ashrafi and explained that proper due diligence was not conducted before the award was given, and that when the Communion moved to withdraw it, he was not properly consulted first. He expressed concern that the situation has embarrassed Christians in Pakistan and will damage interfaith relationships and the Church’s credibility.

The Church of Pakistan and the Anglican Communion

Bishop Marshall discussed the negative impact of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s decision on relations between the Anglican Communion and the Church of Pakistan. He said the Archbishop should apologize to Maulana Ashrafi and to the Church of Pakistan for mishandling the matter of a respected Muslim scholar. He will himself make a formal apology to Maulana Ashrafi and build relationships going forward, emphasizing that cultural differences shape perspectives on such matters.

Until a sincere apology from Archbishop Mullally is forthcoming, he is refusing to participate in Anglican Communion meetings. He said Archbishop Sarah had displayed a lack of understanding of the cultural dynamics at play.

Bishop Marshall concluded: “While we understand that we occupy different cultural, social and economic spaces, it is essential we talk more — specifics, not just generic interfaith chit-chat, but seeking God’s heart together for the world we live in and how to be the answer to the prayer Jesus taught us, ‘Thy Kingdom Come.’”

Bishop Marshall was speaking with Canon Dr Chris Sugden.