A Saudi offer to build a large mosque in Moscow has prompted Russian Orthodox organisations to ask for permission to build an Orthodox church in Saudi Arabia. Several western Christian churches have asked for or suggested such reciprocity with Saudi Arabia, which funds mosques abroad but bans any religion but Islam at home. It’s an issue that can only become more pressing if King Abdullah continues to preach interfaith dialogue and tolerance around the globe while not practicing it at home.
The Russian Muftis Council announced the Saudi offer to fund a mosque last week, promting an open letter to King Abdullah a few days later by what Interfax news agency called Orthodox public organisations. It didn’t come from the Russian Orthodox Church itself, but watch this space. The Russians have become increasingly active on the world religious scene as they emerge from the communist era and it would not be surprising to see them take a position on this question as well. There is probably also a domestic angle to this. Islam is the second largest religion in Russia and growing, so the Orthodox Church might feel a bit of competition.
(Photo: St. Basil’s Cathedral on Moscow’s Red Square, 27 Jan 2007/Denis Sinyakov)
“You often say that Islam is a religion of justice. However, if Saudi Arabia builds mosques in dozens of Christian countries, isn’t it just to build a church for Christians living in Your Kingdom!” says the letter quoted by Interfax. “It would be just to create the same conditions for Saudi Christians as Muslims have in Russia … It is the only way to make interreligious dialogue honest and just.”
Read the full text of the letter in English here. It says Moscow already has two mosques but IslamOnline speaks of six.
Do you think it’s important to see churches built in Saudi Arabia? Should this be a litmus test for assessing Abdullah’s dialogue campaign?
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11 comments so far
[...] Read it. [...]
- Posted by DYSPEPSIA GENERATION » Blog Archive » Saudi offer for Moscow mosque, Orthodox call for church in ArabiaHello Everyone;
I really appreciate who brings this important point; testing the king fairness on his push to make the world
change to islam. The king asked the same question to one of the leaders in Africa, considered as a mostly christian country, about 40 years ago and the then leader just told him exactly the same reciprocal answer and the king of saudi did not push more.
It seems to me there is a tendency within the followers of islam that the religion islam is considered more perfect than the other religions. It is absurd.
Finally I cannot wait what will be the response of the king? will it be the same as 40 years ago or different?
mack
- Posted by mackSaudi Arabia is hypocritical in their dealings. They demand to build mosques abroad, but deny other religions to do anything in their own country. Why doesn’t anyone press them on the UN level on this issue?
Jesus Is The Foundation
- Posted by Anonymoushttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GxRj0gJP c0
[...] Saudi offer for Moscow mosque, Orthodox call for church in Arabia - Reuters BlogsTags: FaithWorld , christian , church , islam , moscow , russia , russian orthodox , saudi arabia A Saudi offer to build a large mosque in Moscow has prompted Russian Orthodox organisations to ask for permission to build an Orthodox church in Saudi … [...]
- Posted by Moscow » Kolomenskoe GatesWell, though Saudi monarch is unjusted, why do we show from our acts that we are like him. What CHRIST taught we christians is TOLERANCE.
- Posted by Bobby Victor ThomasI suggest let him build as many mosques as he wants in all christians countries, but we must have the faith that keep them empty, not by violence but by standing firm on our faith.
As far as Saudi Christians are concerned if they are firm in their faith they still will be even without a church.
[...] Tit for tat … will they play? [...]
- Posted by Pseudo-Polymath » Blog Archive » Monday Highlights[...] for tat … will they play? Share the [...]
- Posted by Stones Cry Out - If they keep silent… » Things Heard: e43v1[...] Saudi offer for Moscow mosque, Orthodox call for church in Arabia [...]
- Posted by Chicago Boyz » Blog Archive » Seems Only FairAn orthodox church in Saudi Arabia?
Sauce for the goose, I say.
- Posted by kurt9Congratulations to the Moscow Division of the Union of Orthodox Citizens for taking this principled position and presenting a very LOGICAL and JUST case.
The citizens of Saudi Arabia - as well as of other Islamic states - would gain a great deal from having the opportunity to learn about Christianity from Christians, (as well as Judaism from Jews).
The Saudis want to promote their views on Islam because they believe Islam is a good religion - a Religion of Peace, Tolerance, Justice.
Here is a perfect opportunity to prove this proudly to the world.
Jesus would have no objections. Nor should the Prophet of Islam. Nor should His followers.
I hope that there can be similar consideration given to the building of Synagogues also. Jews should now rise to the occasion!
- Posted by PRODOSWhat a stupid and childish arguement! Russia and many other countries have large muslim communities who wish to practice their right of performing their worships, and if you go to their worship places you will find them fully used at the time of prayers. In Saudi Arabia their are no mentionable numbers of christian or other faiths followers, and these are usually temporary visitors or contracted workers and more importantly they are not that keen on performing any religious acts during their business or working missions. So what would be the meaning of erecting a church or other faith worship place there with no real use? Wouldn’t it be a mere act of spite and provacation? Those who say it is a “tit for tat” imply that allowing people of any faith to practice their worship is a tit or tat i.e. a transgression for which they should be penalised! Isn’t that the mentallity of religious intolerence and confrontation instigated by sick feelings towards other faiths? This type of mentality is either a product of ignorance and hooliganism or an expression of ill intentions from evil souls, God save us from each.
- Posted by right man