Lahore, Pakistan – Sept. 13, 2025 — A vibrant spirit of unity and environmental stewardship filled the Focolare Movement at their Community Center in Lahore as more than 45 young Christians of different denominations, including Focolare youth and the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD) alumni, gathered for a Bible study on “Peace with Creation.” The event, part of the global Season of Creation (Sept. 1– Oct 4), showcased growing collaboration among Pakistan’s Christian youth movements.

 

Focolare youth leader Shahbaz Patras welcomed the ECHD team, likening the Catholic movement to a fireplace that spreads light and warmth. “We see Jesus in others and try to brighten the earth with our unity,” he said, recalling founder Chiara Lubich’s vision.

 

ECHD executive director James Rehmat introduced ECHD’s mission of Christian fellowship and urged participants to become agents of change. The challenges of young people are common across the country. We face hate, discrimination, and oppression as a minority. The world needs peace, and we should become its messengers,” he said.

 

Leading the Bible study, ECHD theological officer Ushba Barkat reflected on Isaiah 32:14-18, Philippians 4:5-7, and John 14:15-17, encouraging a Christ-like attitude toward creation. “We are called to be the light of the world, but sadly, we are scattered as a community. It is our responsibility to care for our community and surroundings,” she noted, before dividing participants into small groups for discussion.

 

Young people offered practical steps for change:

 

• Rahab Salamat urged daily family prayers and open conversations on issues like girls’ education, calling for “quick justice for all.”

• Suneel Hans highlighted tolerance, saying, “Those with God are never without hope. Our Christian families are a present for us.”

• Shehbaz Patras and Sheryl Bobby stressed inner transformation as a key to ending corruption and restoring justice.

• Suneha Samuel linked environmental responsibility to societal healing: “Save food, adopt SDGs, and end hunger… Sincerity in family relations can strengthen society.”

Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent flood disasters, Barkat warned against environmental neglect: “Elite housing societies submerged as rivers reclaimed their space. Since the beginning, humans have been made responsible for the earth.” She called on participants to respect natural cycles: “Take care of plants after plantation. Respect the earth, give her rest after harvest. Do justice with water. Stand with the poor as per Jesus’s manifesto.”

Focolare community leader Thérèse-Marie Dessaivre hailed the gathering as a turning point for Christian youth unity. 

 

“Being Christians in Pakistan, if we remain in our denominations, nobody sees it. United, we can make our voice heard better,” she said.

Emma Naveed, from Focolare’s Gen 2 group, praised the collaboration: “The topic was beautiful, it links with the Focolare movement. 

It is helpful when we work on the same issues. We hope the combined journey will continue.”

 

The Bible study not only deepened understanding of Scripture but also strengthened bonds between movements, affirming that shared faith and collective action can bring hope, justice, and care for creation in Pakistan’s Christian community.