Bedfordshire parish mourn slain friends
A parish in Luton, Bedfordshire, which is twinned with the church in Pakistan where 16 Christians were killed on Sunday, is coming to terms with the tragedy. Parishioners at the Holy Ghost church, Beech Hill, are praying for their friends in St Dominic's, Bahawalpur. They have set up an exhibition explaining their links with the church. They have also begun a book of condolences which one parishioner will be taking to Pakistan next month. Parish priest Fr John Daly, said many people were in a state of shock. He explained that several members of the congregation came from the area in the Punjab where the attack happened, and were desperately worried about the situation there. Fr John said that after he heard the news he had sent an e-mail to colleagues in Pakistan, telling them that everyone was horrified about the attack and would be praying for them." Holy Ghost church started the twinning process with St Dominic's about a year ago. Fr John explained: "Because we live in a predominantly Asian and Muslim area we wanted to have a link. It is a practical and pastoral link and we do some fund raising for them as well. No one could have imagined such a shocking event."