(PHOTO: ANGLICAN CHURCH)
ishtartv.com - christianpost.com
By Manuella Lamorena,
May 15, 2017
In a
region such as the Middle East where many Christians are persecuted for their
faith, one country is set to show proof that a Muslim-majority state can have
multi-religious tolerance. The United Arab Emirates will soon be the home of
the largest Anglican church in the region as construction of its building is
underway in Abu Dhabi.
The All Saints Anglican Church is currently under construction at the
industrial town of Musaffah in the nation's capital, Gulf
News reported. Upon completion, the church can house up to 4,000
worshipers.
Senior
Chaplain for Anglican churches in Abu Dhabi, Rev. Andy Thompson expressed his
happiness at being allowed to erect a church in a largely Islamic region of the
world.
"At
a time when walls are being erected between different faith communities in the
world, the U.A.E. continues their tradition of welcoming people of different
faiths as a genuine and mature expression of their Islamic hospitality,"
said Thompson.
In
fact, the land was donated by none other than the president of U.A.E. and
construction of the building began in 2014.
The
structure is around two-thirds complete, and the church is currently waiting
for the last leg of its funding that will complete the financing of the
20-million-dirham project.
According
to Sight
Magazine, the construction was almost abandoned after a major donor to the
project suddenly backed out. But Thompson said with "faith," they
were able to push through with the project.
Parishioners
and other donors contributed funds enough to meet 60 percent of the total
budget to continue with the construction.
Thompson
noted that the pragmatism of U.A.E. leaders worked in their favor.
"The
Emiratis have a very pragmatic philosophy," he said. "In order to
engage in trade, they've learned to accept people who believe very differently
than themselves. They've come to a level of maturity where they feel that they
don't have to fight people of different beliefs."
In
contrast, the Saudis are different, he said.
"In
Saudi Arabia, the ruling family originated in the middle of Saudi, in the
desert. They've had very little contact with foreigners during their
history," Thompson said.
The
reverend expressed high hopes that once finished, the building will be a symbol
of peace and coexistence in the region.
"The
new church will continue to uphold our historical tradition of hospitality to
all Christians and to maintain our commitment in partnering with the U.A.E. to
promote the value of tolerance," Thompson said.
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