Jubilee Campaign is saddened to learn of the passing of decades-long partner and stalwart for religious freedom in Pakistan, Joseph Francis. Founder of the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), Francis dedicated his life to defending persecuted faith minorities from unjust blasphemy convictions, and remained unflinching in the face of fierce opposition.
Amidst a vitriolic and antagonistic landscape for faith minorities in Pakistan wherein lawyers advocating for religious minorities can be attacked and even killed by vengeful extremists, Francis’ ambition to liberate those incarcerated simply for their belief in God never once faltered. His courage when dealing with high-profile controversial cases has served as an inspiration for the growing community of religious freedom defenders in Pakistan who, like Francis, risk their own safety to be a voice for the voiceless. Endless activists have offered tributes and shared personal anecdotes about Francis, a testament to his lasting legacy.
Jubilee Campaign is honored and humbled to have been a partner to Francis and CLAAS for nearly 30 years. When Jubilee Executive Director Ann Buwalda touched down in Pakistan for a fact-finding mission in the 1990s, no sooner had Francis kindly introduced himself and his work than he placed her on a motorbike and transported her to an impromptu yet impactful panel on religious freedom. Cognizant of the dangers of being outspoken about persecution, Buwalda was in awe of – and perhaps even bewildered by – Francis’ fearlessness. Whenever a Christian community endured a vicious mob attack, or an innocent believer was sequestered in solitary confinement, Francis would make sure he was the first at the scene, gathering evidence and providing a sense of relief for those affected, who could rest assured that they were in good hands under the auspices of Francis and the dedicated staff at CLAAS.
Across the world from our office in D.C., Jubilee Campaign has for three decades witnessed the Lord’s divine will and benevolence being carried out each time Francis’ relentless activism and tenacity delivers beleaguered imprisoned Christians to freedom. Now we mourn the loss of a beloved friend, an exemplary mentor, a trusted colleague, a beacon of light for oppressed believers. Nevertheless, we rejoice in the consolation that Francis will find peaceful repose as his remarkable legacy is carried on by his daughter Eiga Kenny, whom Jubilee Campaign has had the fortune of watching embody her father’s altruistic character.
