Minister forgives suicide bombers who killed eight people in his family - Herald Scotland

Reverend Aftab Gohar of Abbotsgrange Church in Grangemouth, near Falkirk, spoke out after returning from Peshawar following last month's bloodbath which sent shockwaves round the world.

"It is wrong what these people did but I forgive them. We pray that they may one day develop the wisdom to understand that it is not right to kill children and other innocent people," he said.

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"There were 125 children in Sunday school that day. My sister was teaching there. Forgiving is what we learn from the Lord Jesus Christ. That is why I forgive."

Mr Gohar's mother Iqbal, 79, was killed along with a nephew, aged 11, and a nine-year-old niece. Two uncles, three cousins, as well as other relatives and friends were among those who died in the bombing at All Saint's Church on September 22.

The 45-year-old and his wife Samina flew out to Pakistan to support survivors and attend funerals. He will resume full duties at his church next Sunday.

Mr Gohar said that most Muslims have been respectful and kindly in the 130 years of the Christian church's existence in Pakistan and displayed those qualities after the tragedy.

He said: "The majority of Muslims helped, taking victims to hospital or helping to prepare graves or prepare food for the injured as well as for the friends and relatives caring for them."

He added he fears for friends and relatives in the area and said there is an urgent need for medical help.

Another of his nieces, Farah Javed, 23, is paralysed from the waist down and he hopes to bring her to Scotland for treatment.

The Very Reverend Dr Andrew McLellan, convener of the Church of Scotland World Mission Council, said: "It is very moving to hear the words of Rev Aftab Gohar. These heartless killings happened in Pakistan, but forgiveness makes the whole world better."

Mr Gohar was born in Peshawar and baptised at All Saint's Church. He and his family moved to Scotland in 2008 and he was inducted as Abbotsgrange's minister in February 2010.

Two Islamist militant groups with Taliban links said they ordered the attack to hit back at US drone strikes.