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 The bishop expressed disappointment that proper due diligence was not conducted before the award was given and then withdrawn, stating that this has damaged interfaith relations and the Church of Pakistan’s relationship with the Anglican Communion.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.
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This situation highlights the complexities of interfaith dialogue and representation within religious leadership. As a player in drift boss, I often reflect on how our choices affect community dynamics. How can we foster better understanding across different faiths? What steps can leaders take to ensure no voices are marginalized in these crucial conversations?
Encontré bastante práctico el enfoque del artículo. Quienes consultan loteria nacional con frecuencia pueden beneficiarse de una presentación donde los resultados y las fechas estén bien diferenciados, especialmente cuando se necesita volver a revisar una jornada anterior.
Its a bit confusing. Did Tahir Ashrafi already backtracked from his former support and praise for Osama bin Ladin?
God, from whom all just works do proceed as the Anglican BCP prays, strives continually with all men to do right. It seems He has occasionally prevailed on Mr Ashrafi.
But Mr Ashrafi, as far as anyone knows, is not a Christian ; and therefore he is not judged by the same criteria.
These kinds of awards can be open to hypocrisy when they are made for political ends, which is the case here - at least in its withdrawal. The faithful do not get medals. Earthly awards mean nothing; God will reward an action as simple as giving a cup of water to a Christian because he is a Christian.
A better award would be prayer for Mr Ashrafi,…