UAE: New Church to Open Beside BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi
The church will have a soft opening ceremony on Sunday
New Church of South India Parish Set to Open Adjacent to BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi
In a significant development for religious diversity and harmony, the Church of South India (CSI) Parish is on the brink of inaugurating its new facility in Abu Dhabi. This landmark establishment, located adjacent to the esteemed BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Mureikha, represents a pivotal step towards fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation within the UAE’s multicultural landscape.
Scheduled for a soft opening ceremony on Sunday, the inauguration of the CSI Parish’s new church facility is poised to be a momentous occasion. Leading the proceedings will be Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, the esteemed Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese of the CSI. Following the inaugural ceremony, a special Thanksgiving meeting will be convened to express gratitude and celebrate this significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s religious landscape.
The realization of this new church facility has been made possible through the benevolent gesture of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who generously gifted a 4.37-acre land parcel for its construction. This act of generosity underscores the UAE leadership’s unwavering commitment to promoting religious inclusivity and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding among diverse religious communities.
Since its inception on April 19, 1979, the CSI has enjoyed steadfast support from the UAE leadership, reflecting the nation’s ethos of tolerance and acceptance towards people of all faiths. With a membership exceeding 4 million, the CSI stands as one of India’s largest Christian denominations, symbolizing the rich tapestry of religious diversity within the global Indian diaspora.
Previously, CSI services in Abu Dhabi were conducted at St. Andrew’s Church in the city. However, the inauguration of the new church marks a significant milestone for CSI followers in the capital, who will now have a dedicated space for congregational gatherings, prayer sessions, and community engagement initiatives.
Architecturally, the new church boasts a distinctive design characterized by an earthy-toned, octagon-shaped facade, evocative of the wings of angels. This symbolic representation serves as a testament to the church’s overarching mission of safeguarding humanity and honoring the divine creation.
Rev. Lalji M. Philip, the esteemed Vicar of the Parish, reiterated the church’s unwavering commitment to serving the community with compassion, empathy, and unconditional love. Emphasizing the inclusive nature of the place of worship, Rev. Philip affirmed that the church would extend its services to all members of the community, regardless of faith or background.
While attendance at the Sunday ceremony will be limited to invited guests with issued entry passes, the church has arranged for an online live broadcast to enable well-wishers and followers to participate in the dedication ceremony virtually. Furthermore, following the inauguration, regular services, open to all followers, are scheduled to commence on May 5, thereby solidifying the church’s role as a beacon of spiritual guidance, communal harmony, and interfaith dialogue in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
