Main language spoken: Urdu
The Church of Pakistan is a united Protestant Church founded in 1970 from a union between Anglicans, Scottish Presbyterians, United Methodists, and Lutherans. USPG has long partnered with the Church of Pakistan on theological education and leadership training.
Christians, alongside other citizens of Pakistan, are facing acute tension, pressure & grief.
The Revd Dr Pervaiz Sultan, St Thomas’ Theological College, Karachi
Theological Education Institutions (TEIs) across Asia are grappling with significant challenges, including economic recovery post-pandemic, the ownership of theological education, the need to contextualize curricula, and a renewed post-colonial consciousness. Additionally, they face external pressures such as political and economic instability, rising ethno-nationalism, religious fundamentalism, and ecological destruction.
In response, many deans, principals and other leaders from TEIs across Asia have joined with USPG for a space of interaction and exchange of expertise to enhance collaboration and resource-sharing. This initiative aims to strengthen inclusive leadership and improve institutional resilience and sustainability, fostering a transformed vision for leadership and the role of theological education in Asia.
Established in 1987, USPG has supported St Thomas’ Theological College, the national seminary of the Church of Pakistan, in Karachi. Since its inception, its theological education has been critical to leadership formation in the Church of Pakistan.
The seminary trains future church leaders holistically. Its mission is to empower Christians through the study of Scripture and theology, equipping men and women for broader participation in ministry and mission. St Thomas’ offers a range of programmes, including one-year certificates in areas such as youth and women’s ministries, inter-faith dialogue, drug rehabilitation, and mission work.
The Anglican Communion Day of Prayer, co-ordinated by USPG, took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consisting of 24 consecutive hours of prayer led by Christians all over the world, catch-up on the contribution from the Anglican Church of Pakistan