The United Council of Churches (UCC) is a community of Christian denominations that covenant to engage in a common ministry focused on church unity and spiritual transformation through integral mission for Pakistan’s most vulnerable residents, and revitalizing congregations. The UCC is registered with government of Pakistan under the Trusts Act 1882. UCC was founded by Pastor Inayat Jalal in 2006. It is a community of churches on the way to visible unity in Eucharistic fellowship, expressed in worship and in common life in Christ. It seeks to advance towards this unity, as Jesus prayed for his followers, “so that the world may believe.” (John 17:21)
UCC believes that all believers are missionaries. Pakistan is rich in culture and religion. Islam is the major religion but along with it there are other minorities like Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Ahmadi. Christians are the largest minority community in Pakistan. They constitute about 1.6% of the Pakistan’s population about 3,303,615 individuals (2017 Population Census).
The Christian community in Pakistan is living below the poverty line which makes it difficult for them to think beyond bread and butter. The Christians lack influence. In many cases, the Christians are poor and viewed as the ‘lowest of the low’. They are likely to have limited influence and do not have good access to decision makers. That is a huge barrier to cross. They own perceptions of the situation, their fear, and their lack of confidence means that they hesitate to advocate. They view themselves as powerless and do not recognize any power (even if it is only small) they do have. In such circumstances there is a dire need to focus on Christian community to build a better physical and spiritual image of Christians in Pakistan so that they may be empowered to contribute positively in national development of the country.
