A delegation of Anglican priests in Pakistan offered their condolences to the Shia Muslims for the advent of the holy month of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him.

The delegation, headed by Reverend Shahid B. Mirage, dean of the Anglican Cathedral Church in Lahore along with six other priests, visited one of the Shia mosques in the city known as Karbala Jami Shah, and prayed at the graves of Shia scholars and local residents buried there.

This visit comes to send a clear message against violence, and in order to establish tolerance and peace in the sacred month of Muharram, the first month in the Hijri calendar.

According to UCI News agency, "Members of the Shia community welcomed their Christian guests by spreading roses and welcoming their visit calling for brotherhood and peace."

Reverend Mirage said, "We reject hatred. Shia, Sunnis and Christians are brothers," noting that "Christians and Muslims pray to the same God."

Mirage added, "The blood of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, flowing in Karbala and the pain of Jesus, peace be upon him, liberated us from injustice. Together, we remember their sacrifices for humanity."

Samson Salamat, a member of the Christian delegation said, "The Shia community has been targeted because of their faith," stressing that "Christians will have zero tolerance for terrorists and extremists."