Lahore: January 9, 2014 (Fr. Inayat Bernard) “It is a courageous step for Fr. Francis Nadeem to make efforts to conduct such a common program especially in the month of December to highlight the message of the Prince of peace”. Lahore’s Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw OFM was talking to an interdenominational gathering at the Peace Hall in the compound of St. Joseph Church Lahore Cantt. He said that the message of peace for the whole world and especially for our country where people go away from each other and like to get their faith or ideas imposed on the others. The respect of one another is very sentential to ensure peace of Jesus in our hearts and minds. He wished that by participation in this type of programs will bring the churches close to each other. Bishop of Lahore Irfan Jamil of the Church of Pakistan said, “We are blessed to be the followers of the Prince of Peace. He came to this world to bring peace to all the people of the world and he asks us to continue his mission of love, joy and peace.” He further said, “In our country the peace is an ardent need and each one of us can play our vital role to make this dream come true. Presbyterian Church in Pakistan’s moderator Arif M. Siraj was of the opinion that the teaching of Christ about peace has to be put into practice. The preaching and the expression of good will alone is not enough but His teaching of peace has to immerse in the lives of each one of us. Vicar of Central Cathedral diocese of Raiwind Church of Pakistan Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar warmly appreciated the 2nd Ecumenical Christmas Carol and said that these gatherings will help us to be strong in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and will help us to make united efforts for our rights in the country and reconciliation among ourselves. Fr. Inayat Bernard, director of Council for Interfaith Dialogue said that the council continues to create occasions to the religious heads to come together to build up a common understanding to grow in commonalities in our faith. He said that the council organizes press conferences of social issues of the community arranges programs ,seminars and conferences for all walks of life and ensures to build a strong community of believers in our country. The following choirs sang Christmas carols: St. Joseph host, Central Cathedral, St. Mary’s Gulberg, Christ Church Lahore Cantt. St. Anthony High School Lahore Cantt. Salvation Army band, St. Francis Church Kot Lakhpat, St. Mary’s Mehmood Booti, St. Mary’s Model Town, United Christian Hospital, Foreman Christian College and Christ Church, Township. At the end of the 2nd Ecumenical Christmas Carol the coordinator of Council for Interfaith Dialogue and of the Ecumenical Unity Committee Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap thanked the religious heads, catechists, collaborators, choirs and the participants.