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Church of Pakistan
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Date:
1970 - present
Headquarters:
Siālkot
Areas Of Involvement:
Christianity
Protestantism
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Church of Pakistan

Protestant denomination
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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What is the Church of Pakistan?

What is the Church of Pakistan’s connection to the Anglican Communion?

How is the Church of Pakistan governed?

Church of Pakistan, united Protestant church founded in Pakistan in 1970, comprising former Anglican, Methodist, Scottish Presbyterian, and Lutheran churches and mission bodies. It is a member church of the Anglican Communion and is linked ecclesiastically with the see of Canterbury. It is one of the largest churches in Pakistan. Members of the church are mostly from lower income levels, often landless farmworkers. It was one of the several united churches formed in South Asia in the 20th century, along with the Church of South India (1947), the Church of North India (1970), and the Church of Bangladesh (1974).

History

Christian missions in what is now Pakistan originated in the 16th century, when Roman Catholic missionaries began proselytizing among Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims. Protestant missionary activity increased in the 19th century under British colonial rule, particularly through Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Lutheran missions. Following the partition of India in 1947 and the creation of Pakistan, negotiations for unity among churches increased in Pakistan. In 1970 the Church of Pakistan was formally established, uniting these traditions within a single ecclesiastical structure.

Doctrine and worship

As a united Protestant church within the Anglican Communion, the Church of Pakistan affirms the authority of the Bible in matters of faith and life. It maintains the historic episcopate and recognizes the two sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion.

Organization and governance

The Church of Pakistan follows an episcopal polity and a synodal structure and is organized into dioceses, each of which is governed by a bishop. The presiding bishop of the Church of Pakistan is called the moderator, who is elected by the synod from among the diocesan bishops.

Notable Cathedrals and Churches
name location year formed importance
Cathedral Church of Resurrection Lahore 1887 The cathedral is known for its Gothic Revival architectural style.
Holy Trinity Cathedral Karachi 1855 The tower of this cathedral served as a lighthouse for guiding ships.
All Saints’ Church Peshawar 1883 This church is known for its mixture of Christian and Islamic architectural styles.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Andrew Pereira.