Minister hosts church leaders from across Gulf

abu dhabi — Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance, on Tuesday welcomed a delegation of senior Christian church leaders from across the GCC, at his palace in Abu Dhabi.

Bishops and senior leaders from the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, the Oriental and Orthodox churches and the Protestant community congratulated Sheikh Nahyan for his leadership in promoting tolerance, respect and understanding of Christians, who are welcome guests in the UAE.

Olafur Ragnar Grimssonat, former President of Iceland, was also present at the gathering.

Bishop Paul Hinder from the Catholic church based at St Joseph in Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has granted formal hospitality to Christians, allowing them to have places of worship since the mid-1960s. This spirit of openness and tolerance has become even stronger after the UAE’s founding. It is an example for other countries, in the region and the world.”

“We Anglicans have a great deal to be thankful to the UAE, its people, and its ruling family,” said the Right Reverend Michael Lewis, Bishop of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. “Relations have been exceptionally warm, confident, and purposeful from the time of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan until now. Our churches in multiple locations are testimony to the UAE’s gracious hospitality.”

Sheikh Nahyan drew attention to the role played by Sheikh Zayed. “In 2018, we celebrate the wonderful leadership provided by Sheikh Zayed. He was an eloquent and compelling advocate for tolerance and mutual respect of all peoples, irrespective of their faith, racial or ethnic background. That the UAE is such an open, safe and secure place has everything to do with his outstanding legacy.” — Wam