Update on the first church just built in Qatar:
"Doha, 31 March (AKI) - (by Ahmad Rafat) - Qatar's first church, Our Lady of the Rosary, opened its doors only two weeks ago."
"After years of delicate negotiations, the Vatican was finally granted permission to construct the first church in Qatar. Now similar negotiations are underway in Saudi Arabia, the only country in the world where churches are not allowed."
"...To avoid upsetting the local people or attracting the attention of Islamic extremists, the church has neither a bell tower nor an external cross... Before entering the church, the faithful must pass through a metal detector, and the police are present at the building to maintain security.""Miguel and Corazon, who have lived in Qatar for ten years, had to go to to Dubai to baptise their two children. 'Our son can take his first communion in Doha and we can celebrate it without being afraid of being expelled,' said Corazon."
"...Qater's emir, who succeeded his father in 1995, is taking important steps in many fields, not just economic, to develop the country. The opening of the church in Doha is a tangible sign of how this tiny emirate has changed even if certain taboos remain banning every form of proselytism and the conversion of Muslims to Christianity."
Not to get overly excited about one church, but it's progress. Let's hope there are many more!
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