The Anglican Archbishops of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia say people of peace from all faiths need to stand in solidarity to condemn the bombing in city of Lahore.

The Archbishops say the targeting of the innocent – in this case Christians celebrating – is the hallmark of terrorism and such cowardice should be condemned.

The Archbishop of the New Zealand dioceses, the Most Reverend Philip Richardson, says when such attacks occur beyond our shores, “we as a nation have to recommit ourselves to ensuring that we never allow for the climate of suspicion and distrust between people of faiths to develop in New Zealand.

“Rather, we must commit ourselves even more strongly to building dialogue across differences. We must continue to build our community based on understanding, justice and peace.”

Archbishop Philip Richardson says it is important that fear and terror do not have the last word as at the heart of the Easter message is that good will triumph over evil.

 “My thoughts and prayers are with the Christian community in Pakistan and particularly with my colleague the head of the Anglican Church in Pakistan Archbishop Samuel Azariah who I spent a week with recently,” says Archbishop Philip Richardson.

Archbishop Philip Richardson, Senior Bishop of the New Zealand Dioceses.

Archbishop Brown Turei, Bishop of Aotearoa.

Archbishop Winston Halapua, Bishop for Polynesia in Aotearoa New Zealand