Pakistani bishop expresses hope for return to democracy

Published: 2007-11-13

LAHORE, Pakistan (CNS) -- A Pakistani bishop expressed hope for a return to democracy and said the country's bishops will discuss the crisis at their upcoming meeting. Bishop Max Rodrigues of Hyderabad told the Asian church news agency UCA News Nov. 12, "We hope that the prevailing setback is short-lived and that democracy returns." The bishop said the members of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference plan to review the ongoing crisis at their Nov. 23 meeting. "Meanwhile, the churches have been directed to pray for the country and its solidarity," he said. Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's president, declared a state of emergency Nov. 3, arresting protesters and opponents and banning large gatherings. The crisis deepened Nov. 11 when Musharraf announced that to reinforce Pakistan's fight against terrorism the state of emergency would continue beyond the planned general election that he promised would be held before Jan. 9.

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