UAE praised for religious tolerance

DUBAI: The Vatican’s Foreign Minister, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, has lauded the “many shared values” the city-state holds with the UAE as well the religious tolerance and freedom of worship enjoyed by Christians in the Emirates.

In an interview with XPRESS, the 70-year-old archbishop said that two new churches have been approved by UAE authorities.

“We do appreciate the freedom of worship, the opportunity to gather here to pray and run schools for children,” he said. “There are so many people who come here [St. Mary’s Church, Dubai] to get spiritual guidance. We do appreciate the freedom, the atmosphere of tolerance and coexistence in the UAE.” Mamberti was accompanied by the Vatican’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the UAE, Archbishop Petar Rajic.

“I am very pleased to meet the authorities who invited me and to visit the Catholic community in the UAE. I think it’s a good opportunity to strengthen our relations — both on bilateral and multilateral fronts.”

The Vatican and the UAE established diplomatic ties in 2007. Mamberti earlier asked the UN to make “courageous decisions” toward a two-state solution following Palestinian leaders’ call for full UN membership for their state. “I think that in international organisations we can co-operate to promote common values. There’s inter-religious dialogue. Although it is not directly the duty of the states to promote it… the state has the duty to facilitate the dialogue and promote common values such as the defence of the dignity of life, peace and development — and so many other values we share.”

Mamberti officiated a mass celebrating Christ The King in Dubai.

Echoing the message of Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff’s September visit to Lebanon, Mamberti said, “In this region, where people of different confessions have lived together for centuries, it is very important that they continue to live and build their future together. As believers, we have this responsibility to promote and build a better world.”

New Churches approved

Abu Dhabi-based Bishop Paul Hinder, the Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia, confirmed two new churches were approved in Abu Dhabi — in Mussafah and Ruwais.

A new church is also under construction in Ras Al Khaimah on a bigger compound compared to the existing church there, he said. “The new church in Ras Al Khaimah will be inaugurated on the June 14, 2013, if all goes well,” the Swiss bishop said.

“For the Musaffah [church], the land is already given, Ruwais is on the way. The project is already under review by the Abu Dhabi municipality and we are just waiting for a green light from them.”

This brings the number of churches in Abu Dhabi to four. Dubai has two Catholic churches.