At a special luncheon hosted by Her Excellency Natalie A. Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, Christian leaders gathered at the U.S. Embassy in a spirit of friendship, fellowship, and mutual respect.

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Opening the gathering, The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator/President of the Church of Pakistan, expressed his appreciation to the U.S. mission and congratulated the American people on this historic milestone. He offered prayers for God’s continued blessing upon the nation and upon all those who work for peace.

Archbishop Marshall then shared a deeply personal historical reflection: in 1976, as a student, he attended the American Bicentennial celebrations in Tehran. He recalled the memorable atmosphere of those celebrations and reflected on how, years later, he would be called to serve as Bishop of Iran — a journey that lent those early memories an entirely new and providential significance.

Reflecting on present-day international developments, Archbishop Marshall observed that while the United States and Iran continue to occupy significant attention in world affairs, there remain enduring human connections and shared aspirations that transcend politics — relationships built on faith, friendship, and mutual respect.

He expressed gratitude to God for the leadership of His Excellency Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed, Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan, acknowledging the significant role they have played in encouraging dialogue, promoting regional stability, and contributing to efforts that foster peace and understanding.

Drawing upon the Christian vocation to be peacemakers, Archbishop Marshall expressed his hope that the future would be marked by greater understanding between nations and a renewed commitment to peace, reconciliation, and human dignity. His remarks reflected the conviction that enduring friendship between peoples — grounded in shared faith and respect — must be cultivated alongside formal diplomatic ties.

Archbishop Marshall then led those gathered in prayer, thanking Almighty God for the opportunity to come together in friendship and fellowship, and expressing gratitude for the hospitality of the United States Embassy and the leadership of Ms. Baker. He gave thanks for the blessings bestowed upon the United States throughout its 250-year history and prayed for strengthened friendship between the peoples of the United States and Pakistan.

He further prayed for wisdom for national leaders, success in efforts that promote dialogue and peace, courage for those engaged in reconciliation, and God’s blessing upon all present and the meal shared together.

The luncheon provided a meaningful opportunity for Christian leaders and diplomatic representatives to celebrate a significant historical milestone while reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, mutual understanding, and constructive international friendship — a gathering that embodied, in microcosm, the very ideals the United States was founded upon a quarter of a millennium ago.