Hawzah News Agency- On the occasion of the upcoming New Year, Iran’s cultural attaché in Pakistan visited the church, describing the site as an important symbol of interfaith dialogue and cultural continuity in Peshawar.
“Our visit to this historic and spiritual location reflects the enduring value of dialogue and cultural engagement in this city,” the Iranian official stated. “We take pride in safeguarding the heritage of Iranian civilization—one that has consistently emphasized mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and a deeper understanding among the peoples of this region.”
During the meeting, Rev. Shahzad Murad highlighted the significance of such engagements, noting that the presence of representatives from cultural organizations at religious centers strengthens coexistence and mutual respect among followers of diverse faiths.
He explained that the church was originally constructed during the British colonial period in the Indian subcontinent to serve the local Christian community, which at the time numbered around 300. The church belongs to the Protestant tradition, specifically the Anglican denomination.
According to Murad, Anglicanism emerged from the Church of England during the 16th-century Reformation as a movement seeking a balanced path between Catholic and Protestant practices. “The distinct identity of Anglicans lies in their episcopal structure and liturgical aesthetics, which bear similarities to Catholicism, while their theological focus on salvation, scripture, and freedom of conscience remains close to Protestant teachings,” he said.
He added that despite cultural and linguistic diversity across the global Anglican community, its followers maintain spiritual attachment to the Archbishop of Canterbury and uphold principles of moderation, dialogue, and interreligious harmony.
Discussing the architectural and historical significance of the Peshawar church, Murad noted that it is one of only five churches in the world whose main entrance opens directly toward Jerusalem. He also emphasized the existence of several Persian inscriptions within the building—some dating back to the 18th century—which testify to the historical role of Iranians in the region.
Murad further revealed that some of the ancient inscriptions were damaged in a past suicide bombing, underscoring the need for greater protection of shared cultural heritage.
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