Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SP)
Abu Dhabi, Dec 6: A church being built by the Church of South India will take shape in the city soon. Foundation ceremony for this church meant for Protestants is scheduled for this weekend, 'The National' said.
Construction of the church will begin soon. It will be located at Abu Mureikha in the city near the plot allotted for the construction of a Hindu temple.
The architecture of the church will have tall, narrow, windows and arched doorway, which will blend with Islamic designs, said the leading news agency of the Middle East, 'The National'. Over four acres of land for the church was sanctioned by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of armed forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
Rev Sojee Vergis John termed this gesture as a blessings for his community and marks the tolerance of this nation. He said that the community will finally have their own place of worship. The Church of South India already has a shrine at Fujairah.
Over 750 parishioners mainly from Kerala, and a total of 6,000 spread across the country, will be benefitted by this church. Now they congregate on Fridays at St Andrew's Church for prayer services and on Sunday for Bible studies.
Project cost has been estimated at Dh nine million, which is proposed to be put together through donations from followers and well-wishers. Currently the followers of the church pray in Anglican churches in the Emirates in cities like Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah and many a time they also use community halls when gathering is huge.
The construction of church is expected to take a year and prayer services are planned to be offered from early 2021. The church buildings will also have halls for other congregations. Rev John said there is spirit of harmony, peace and fellowship. The church is among 18 non-Muslim worship places which have received official sanctions and licences.
The Church of South India is the second largest Christian church in India after the Catholic Church with more than four million followers all over the world.