Sahiwal – On September 7, 2024, a significant seminar was held in Sahiwal focusing on the Christian Divorce Act of 1869 and its amendments. Organized by the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM), the seminar aimed to raise awareness among church leaders about the implications of this historic legislation and its relevance in contemporary society.

The event was facilitated by Bishop Waseem Anjum Bhatti Advocate, the National President of AFM Church in Pakistan, who provided an in-depth explanation of the Divorce Act and its amendments. He also addressed the role of churches in dealing with marriage and divorce issues among Christians today. The session also saw contributions from various religious leaders, including Fr. Nadeem Joseph, Parish Priest, who discussed the Catholic perspective on divorce through the lens of Canon law.

Representatives from several denominations, including the AFM Church, Catholic Church, ARP Church, The Salvation Army, The Church of Christ, and Seven Pillars Church, participated in the seminar. Each leader contributed valuable insights and opinions during the discussion, reflecting a broad consensus on the importance of addressing these legal matters within the church.

One of the key points raised during the seminar was the issue of marriage laws for Christian couples in Pakistan. The Christian Marriage Act of 1872 considers individuals below the age of 21 as minors, requiring parental or guardian consent for marriage solemnization, with 18 being the minimum age for marriage registration. Participants noted that amending this to 18 years would have neither a significantly positive nor negative impact on the age of marriage for Christian couples. They also addressed the reintroduction of Article 7 in the Divorce Act, which allows greater liberty for divorce, although the Holy Bible only recommends divorce under certain circumstances.

A resolution was passed during the seminar, calling for the establishment of a Christian Ideological Council. This council, the leaders proposed, would work alongside the government in the formation and amendment of laws concerning Christians. Under the proposed structure, any laws or amendments affecting the Christian community would first be reviewed by the Christian Ideological Council, ensuring they align with biblical teachings before being passed into law.

The seminar concluded with a pledge from all participating churches to continue working toward the spiritual and social growth of their congregations, while ensuring that laws affecting Christians are rooted in biblical principles.

The event was an important step toward fostering dialogue within the Christian community and ensuring that legal frameworks align with their faith.