[Lambeth Palace press release] The Archbishop of Canterbury has drawn attention to the fact that Christians in Peshawar were talking of forgiveness immediately after suicide bombers attacked All Saints Church on Sunday.

But he added that Christians in Peshawar are also ‘crying out vigorously’ for justice and protection following the worst attack on Christians in Pakistan’s history.

The attack, which was launched as people were leaving Sunday Mass, killed 85 people and injured more than 120.

Speaking on Radio 4’s World at One today, the Archbishop described the bombing as ‘an absolutely appalling attack’ and called on Pakistan’s government to ensure that minority citizens are given proper protection and that all people are treated equally under its law.

The Archbishop added that we have seen ‘more than 80 martyrs’ in Peshawar in the last few days.

‘They have been attacked because they were testifying to their faith in Jesus Christ by going to church. And that is outside any acceptable expression, in any circumstances for any reason, of religious difference,’ he said.

He continued: ‘When you look at what Christians teach, we are deeply committed to justice – we pray for justice for the victims, justice to be established. But Jesus, at his crucifixion, prayed also for those who were ill treating him. And that has been the pattern of Christian witness throughout the centuries.’

People in Peshawar spoke of forgiveness immediately after Sunday’s attack at All Saints Church, the Archbishop said during an interview with Radio 4’s World at One today.

But he stressed that mourners in Peshawar are also ‘crying out vigorously’ for justice and protection following the worst attack on Christians in Pakistan’s history, which killed 85 people and injured more than 120.

He continued: ‘When you look at what Christians teach, we are deeply committed to justice – we pray for justice for the victims, justice to be established.

‘But Jesus, at his crucifixion, prayed also for those who were ill-treating him. And that has been the pattern of Christian witness throughout the centuries.’

Describing the bombings as ‘an absolutely appalling attack’, the Archbishop called on Pakistan’s government to ensure minority citizens are given proper protection and that all people are treated equally under its law.

In the same interview, Archbishop Justin said we have seen ‘more than 80 martyrs’ in Peshawar in recent days.

‘They have been attacked because they were testifying to their faith in Jesus Christ by going to church. And that is outside any acceptable expression, in any circumstances for any reason, of religious difference,’ he said.