UAE National Day 2020: churches praise a tolerant nation
Publication Date: 30/11/2020
Source: The Bharat Express News
The UAE is home to people of 200 nationalities, different ethnic groups and religions. They live together in peace, worship in a tolerant land and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Tolerance in the UAE is based on the country’s founding principles of promoting peaceful coexistence and acceptance among people of different nationalities, identities and cultural backgrounds.
“The UAE celebrates tolerance every day of the year because tolerance sets the TBEN of our country apart. Tolerance is a necessary part of our vision for the present and the future. This vision is a global vision because our country is a global society, ”said Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence.
On the UAE’s 49th National Day, three church leaders from Catholic, Anglican, and Mar Thoma congregations share their views on tolerance in the country.
American author and educator Hellen Keller said that “the highest outcome of education is tolerance”. Perhaps it meant the education of the heart more than the education of the mind. Tolerance and forgiveness are the two divine values of humanity which is in itself a religion or a way of life. Today, in our quest for instant success, we fail to understand the needs of our neighbor and we lose sight of humanity.
The UAE is the epitome of tolerance and we see it so vividly in our day to day life. We have experienced the safety and security measures that are in place even during the coronavirus pandemic. The freedom that the UAE offers over 200 nationalities to celebrate national or cultural festivities is indeed laudable.
For us Christians, the historic moment of the papal visit in February 2019 is unforgettable. The care, safety and love that the UAE offered to all Christians during the three day visit left an indelible memory in our minds and we are extremely indebted for this gesture. The “Abrahamic Faith Initiative” signed by Pope Francis and Imam Ahmed Al Tayeb is another historic initiative aimed at building bridges between religions.
When our world is reeling from the cycle of hatred and intolerance, the United Arab Emirates offers tolerance, forgiveness and lending a helping hand. While enjoying the peace and harmony that the UAE offers, we continue to pray that God will bless this land and the successful leaders in abundance.
Tolerance – An intrinsic part of life in the UAE
Rev. Juu C. Philip, Vicar, Mar Thoma Church, Dubai
Tolerance is a virtue and an intrinsic part of life in the UAE – a home away from home for over 200 nationalities who live in peace and successfully. The country guarantees the human need to accept and live with others without hate, malice or enmity – a legacy of founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who is supported by the country’s rulers, making it a place of coexistence and openness to other cultures. In fact, the UAE has ministries dedicated to happiness and tolerance.
It is the tolerance of the earth that makes and keeps the UAE ever blessed. The joy of the heart, the gratitude to God of the faithful and their prayers are an additional blessing for the country. God uses this as a channel of blessing for the faithful community which prays for the prosperity of the earth.
The Mar Thoma community in Dubai is indebted and will always remain grateful to the country’s leaders. Since its inception in 1969, it has been granted freedom of worship and prayer, and has been generously offered land to build a church. In every prayer, the parish of Mar Thoma remembers the rulers and the prosperity of the land.
Everyone enjoys the same protection and respect in the country. Tolerance like hers comes from a deep understanding that we are all created equal by God and that it is through unity and unity that a country can move forward. The result is seen in a happy and challenged population who work together to achieve the country’s goals. When people from all over the world come to the UAE and experience this tolerance, they also send a message that peace in a troubled world is possible.
We praise God for the vision of the rulers of this land and for their persistence in promoting freedom of worship in the UAE.
A witness of tolerance
Canon Harrison Chinnakumar, chaplain, Holy Trinity Church, Dubai
On behalf of the Christians who worship at Holy Trinity Church in Dubai, I take this opportunity to wish the leaders, citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates a Happy National Day 2020.
Dubai’s Holy Trinity Church, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee this year, is a testament to the tolerance that is celebrated year after year in this beautiful and blessed land. Our church hosts worship services in many languages from different denominations, and approximately 20,000 Christians enter the premises each week to worship God in peace and harmony.
The UAE government graciously allows Christians to worship God in the traditions of their respective countries. Even during the pandemic, we are allowed to say our prayers, of course while respecting the COVID-19 protocol. I have been here since 2016 and my experience with government officials has been very enriching and enriching. The officials who engage with us are friendly and always ready to help us better manage our complex.
On this occasion, we reverently remember the leaders of this nation for their commitment, dedication and hard work in nation building and wish them the best blessings from God, while assuring them of our prayers and continued support.
Link: https://www.thebharatexpressnews.com/uae-national-day-2020-churches-praise-a-tolerant-nation/
