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click here http://ch.spinnakerpro.com/run/v3.aspx?x=7803711-48-245 FW: From the Desk of... Joseph Dias, General Secretary, The CSF Catholic-Christian Secular Forum www.thecsf.org http://www.thecsf.org/ ^Ecumenical ^Evangelical ^Interdenominational Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) Responds to Christian forum complaint PTA takes "Jesus Christ" off the SMS list of obscene words PTA Director Ahmed Pirzada writes to Joseph Dias about it We have yet another reason to Praise the Lord. We added our little bit, by merely emailing, joined by thousands. It shows how little it takes for the LORD to bless one with success - Little is much, if it is placed in HIS hands. To God be the glory - The Catholic-Christian Secular Forum (CSF), the Mumbai based activist Christian NGO had in a letter to the Pakistan President, Asif Ali Zardari; Communications Minister, Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan and the PTA Chairman taken strong exception to Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) including Jesus Christ in the list of "obscene" words in text (SMS) messages. The CSF general secretary, Joseph Dias said "it raised serious concerns about basic freedoms, like that of expression and religion in Pakistan. If such an action was taken by a non Islamic or secular nation, singularly naming a god of any other faith, there would have been a furore" in the communication emailed to the Pak authorities. In a reply to Joseph Dias, a copy of which was forwarded to the Pakistan authorities concerned, Ahmed Shamim Pirzada, PTA Director said the "list forwarded to Cellular Mobile Telephony Operators (CMTOs) is tentative and under review. Your point is considered and rectified in the revised list" which has assured The CSF that words "Jesus Christ" were off the obnoxious list. Earlier in his letter to Pakistan's authorities, Joseph Dias referred to a letter by PTA's Director General (Services) Muhammad Talib Doger said the order was legal under a 1996 law preventing people from sending information through the telecommunications system that is “false, fabricated, indecent or obscene”. It also stated that free speech can be restricted “in the interest of the glory of Islam.” How does the words "Jesus Christ" fit the above description? asked The CSF general secretary. "One wonders why gods of other religions have not been mentioned in the list and Christians, who are already facing persecution in Pakistan have been singled out for such treatment? This has hurt our religious sentiments and hence urged that "Jesus Christ" be removed from the list. The CSF expresses solidarity with the Pakistani Christians and had taken up the issue, since it is difficult for them to raise a voice on the same" said Joseph Dias. He thanked the Pakistani authorities for their prompt gesture and hoped that such acts would not be repeated in the future. Pl Note: 1.) Bangalore Meet: The CSF general secretary is going to be in Bangalore for a day on 24th November, 2011 to meet activists. Those interested in volunteering may call Joseph Dias on 09769 55 56 57 and fix-up a meeting. 2.) Situation Vacant: Urgently required a web master/designer for Mumbai, at Santacruz East to manage websites. Males between 18 to 45 years may send in their bio-data and photograph, with salary expected to [email protected] - Team CSF pic: cm paul ? PS: FREE SMS / MP3 / Email: * Free MP3 CD of Gospel Songs & spirit building material - please send your India address to [email protected] * To Recieve / Remove such email newsletters - mention it in the Subject & send an email to [email protected] * Free Daily SMSs on Christian issues & Bible quotes, email / sms name, address & mob no. to [email protected] / +91 9769 55 56 57 * Volunteers needed in every district/diocese to Network / Support Christian Activism - Send your contact details to [email protected] * Write on the contribution of any Christian individual / organisation to India & get your name noted down for posterity - [email protected] The Catholic-Christian Secular Forum (The CSF) www.thecsf.org http://www.thecsf.org/ Regd Office : 75, Vakola Village, Off St. Anthony's Street, Santacruz (E), Mumbai - 55. This email was sent to [email protected]. Unsubscribe http://ch.spinnakerpro.com/run/OO.aspx?x=7803711-48-245 | Tell A Friend http://ch.spinnakerpro.com/run/tafn.aspx?x=7803711-48-245 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
