In praise of religious freedom

AS WE observe UAE's National Day today, many non-Muslim resident expats have unanimously hailed the country's leadership for promoting a culture of religious tolerance.

This also supports the International Religious Freedom Report (IRFR) recently released by the US Department of State, which cited the testimonies of leading Christian figures such as Archbishop of Canterbury and the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia. The leaders showered plaudits on the UAE's leadership for its encouragement of interfaith dialogue and the country's role in spreading tolerance and promoting coexistence among the various faiths.

Here in the UAE, some local expats and religious leaders we spoke to praised the country's freedom of religion, with majority of them saying it makes them learn, respect and appreciate other faiths more.

Reverend Dr V Dilkumar, the Senior Overseeing Pastor of King's Revival Church International Ministries said: 'This respect and recognition of other faiths will play an effective role in spreading the spirit of dialogue and strengthen human coexistence.'

While passing his goodwill message on the occasion of the UAE National Day on behalf of the church, Reverend Dilkumar prayed for abundant blessings to the rulers of the country for the love, care, concern, kindness and liberty they have given to all. 'It is my prayer that these noble dear leaders will have long life, good health, great peace, and prosperity in the years to come in this blessed land,' he said. 'This nation will rise up as an exemplary shining role model to the other countries of this world, and we as residents of this blessed land will stand along in prayer and full support to all the noble endeavours and vision undertaken by our blessed leaders,' he added.

Referring to the religious freedom in the UAE, H. Bhimasena Rau, the Resident Director of Hinduja Group said: 'While most of us came to the country for financial reasons, we cannot forget that we also need spiritual nourishment. Therefore, it's laudable that the UAE rulers have given us that freedom to exercise our religions. Hinduja Group the focus on spirituality brings personal discipline in every aspect of life. This makes the individual also more humane and law abiding.

Stevens George who has lived in Dubai for 22 years and professes Orthodox faith said: 'I find it interesting that we all participate in various rituals observed by other religions, like Ramadan and Eid, Christmas, Easter, Diwali among others. This reinforces the need to live harmoniously while learning more about other faith practises.'

The report released by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, also highlighted the role played by UAE's Centre for Information Affairs, in promoting and strengthening the culture of tolerance by organising activities participated by world Christian leaders.

It cites various speeches in which Bishop Paul Hinder, the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia and Bishop of St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral, said, 'Under the Presidency of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa, the UAE continues to provide a setting where people can live together and express their faith with mutual forbearance, to the profit of all.'

And just recently on the eve of Vladimir Putin's visit to the UAE, a foundation stone was laid in Sharjah for the building of first Russian Orthodox church in the country . The shrine which is estimated to cost Dh30 million, is being built on a plot provided by the Government of Sharjah.

The UAE Government provides for freedom of religion in accordance with established customs, however, it declares that Islam is the official religion of the country. The Government recognises a number of Christian denominations, through the issuance of land-use permits, for the construction and operation of churches. It also follows a policy of tolerance toward non-Muslim religious groups.