ABU DHABI — The existence of Christian churches in the country is a loud testament to UAE's tolerant religious virtues, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research has said.

Shaikh Nahyan made the statement while addressing a public meeting held last Thursday in connection with the consecration of the new Mar Thoma Church in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The first phase of the Church complex has been completed at a cost of Dh6.5 million over the 1.6 acres of land donated by late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, after the foundation stone was laid in October 2004.

The minister said that the UAE continued to imbibe and implement the noble social values whereby people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds lived together in mutual respect and tolerance as envisioned by late Shaikh Zayed.

Lauding the social virtues upheld by Malankara Marthoma Church, Shaikh Nahyan pointed out that it was their noble leadership and extensive humanitarian endeavours that had popularised the church.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandra Mohan Bhandari, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, remarked that the new Mar Thoma Church located in the heartland of labour camps was a true memorial of the philosophies of Jesus Christ who stood for the poor and downtrodden.

The meeting was chaired by Rev. Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the supreme head of the church.

Shaikh Nahyan also unveiled the commemorative plaque of the new church in the presence of the ambassador of India.

Three distinguished personalities of the Indian community Yusuf Ali MA, Managing Director of EMKE Group; Dr BR Shetty, Managing Director of NMC Group; and Sunny Varkey, Chairman of Gems Group; were honoured during the occasion.

Source: Khaleej Times