The Inter Denominational Christian Church complex at Mesaimeer, housing the places of worship of 28 different Indian denominations, was inaugurated yesterday. HE the Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, cut a ribbon and unveiled a plaque marking the historic occasion. HE the Minister of State for Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Saddah, Indian Ambassador Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, senior officials from government departments and dignitaries from various walks of life were present. Welcoming the gathering, Inter Denominational Christian Community (IDCC) chief co-ordinator Siby Joseph expressed IDCC’s deep gratitude to HH the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and the people of Qatar for their invaluable gift. Assuring that the IDCC complex shall remain a place of peace for years to come, he stated that ‘prayers for the prosperity of the State Qatar and its people will be raised to the Almighty from here, on all occasions.’ “We shall remain side by side with the Doha Centre for Inter Faith Dialogue in their efforts to promote better understanding between different religions with the intention to promote peace in the world,” Joseph declared. IDCC technical adviser Mathew Kurian recalled that the Emir had issued an order in 2003 allotting land for churches. The IDCC complex is located on a 12,000sqm plot and the building occupies 4,800sqm, providing places of worship for 24,000 Indian Christians of 28 denominations. “There are seven buildings in this complex built at a cost of QR40mn and the funds were raised as donations from community members,” he explained. The Indian envoy described the inauguration of the IDCC complex as a cherished dream of the Indian Christian community in Qatar. “India is proud of its Christian community, which has contributed immensely to the development of the country, in numerous sectors including education,” she said. The Indian ambassador also thanked the generosity of the rulers of Qatar in granting the gift of land to make the IDCC complex a reality. In his vote of thanks, IDCC co-ordinator George Pothen, observed that the occasion is a milestone in the history of the inter denominational Christians in Qatar. “The concept of the IDCC complex was the brainchild of the Indian embassy,” he recalled, lauding the support extended by former ambassadors and other officials. IDCC co-ordinator Pastor N O Idiculla led an opening prayer while Mar Thoma Church Vicar Rev T M Jacob delivered the concluding prayer. http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=281453&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

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