The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, has visited the Church of Pakistan (United) for a Clergy Lenten Retreat and Conference in Raiwind, Lahore.

The visit was made at the invitation of the Most Revd Dr Azad Marshall, Moderator Bishop of the Church of Pakistan (United) and Bishop of Raiwind.

The Secretary General’s programme involved attending a Holy Communion Service at St Stephen and All the Martyrs Chapel, at Lahore College of Theology. He also participated in a series of meetings with the bishops of the Church of Pakistan, where he heard some informal church updates. This included a briefing on the situation in Lahore and other matters in the Church of Pakistan from the administration.

The Secretary General’s visit focused primarily on retreat and fellowship. He prayed for and encouraged those he met, and did not provide formal comment on matters about ongoing disagreements in the Church of Pakistan.

Speaking about his visit, the Secretary General said: ‘It has been a joy to mark the start of Lent with our brothers and sisters in Christ, in the Church of Pakistan. During my visit, I offered my prayers and encouragement to the local church, calling for unity and reconciliation. Lent should be a time of reflection and repentance. I assured them of my prayers and that of other partners for the Church of Pakistan.’

Reflecting on the visit, the Most Revd Dr Azad Marshall said: ‘This time of Lenten Retreat with Bishop Anthony Poggo was a meaningful season of fellowship, reflection and spiritual renewal. Gathering together in prayer and unity, participants experienced encouragement and strength as they listened to God’s Word and sought His guidance for their ministry and daily walk of faith.

'The retreat provided a sacred space to pause, reconnect and be refreshed in the presence of the Lord. Through shared prayers and words of exhortation, hearts were uplifted, faith was strengthened and a renewed commitment to serve Christ and His Church emerged among all who took part.’

Archbishop Dr Azad Marshall, Moderator Bishop of the Church of Pakistan and Bishop of Raiwind and Bishop Anthony Poggo (Secretary General of the Anglican Communion), presenting the ‘Iron Woman’ award to Ms Waheeda of Jaranwala for her bravery in campaigning against the destruction of a local church in 2023.

During his visit, the Secretary General attended a joint ecumenical and inter faith meeting. He also witnessed Archbishop Azad present the ‘Iron Woman’ award to Ms Waheeda of Jaranwala for her advocacy for peace and bravery in campaigning against the destruction of a local church in 2023.