Saudis Agree to Build Christian Churches

[I Love An Atheist]

Saudis agree to build Christian churches | Conservative Angle

"For the 'first time in the country’s history,' Saudi Arabia has agreed to build Christian churches for its Christian population, which before now has been banned by law from practicing their faith openly."

 

[HankD]

Saudis agree to build Christian churches | Conservative Angle

"For the 'first time in the country’s history,' Saudi Arabia has agreed to build Christian churches for its Christian population, which before now has been banned by law from practicing their faith openly."

HMM, WONDER WHY

 

[Rob_BW]

I was wondering if that was on the table after reading about NEOM.

Saudi Arabia is building a $500 billion mega-city that's 33 times the size of New York City

 

[rsr]

HMM, WONDER WHY

View attachment 2152

Could be. After all, Melania is Roman Catholic and the supposed deal involved the Vatican.

Or maybe the Saudis fear the radical Islamists (which they've been funding for decades) more than they do the Christians?

It's not clear to me that there is a done deal, so we will see. Besides, China has churches, but the only ones allowed are those that are controlled by the government. The pope has taken some heat from within the Latin Rite for a deal that would allow Roman churches but give the government a large say in the naming of bishops.

But who knows? Women are driving in Saudi Arabia and people are going to the movies ...

 

[HankD]

Could be. After all, Melania is Roman Catholic and the supposed deal involved the Vatican.

Or maybe the Saudis fear the radical Islamists (which they've been funding for decades) more than they do the Christians?

It's not clear to me that there is a done deal, so we will see. Besides, China has churches, but the only ones allowed are those that are controlled by the government. The pope has taken some heat from within the Latin Rite for a deal that would allow Roman churches but give the government a large say in the naming of bishops.

But who knows? Women are driving in Saudi Arabia and people are going to the movies ...

I have a cousin, a theology scholar, who told me that the allowed churches cannot display crosses/or religious statues, pictures, etc outside or on the building.

No ritual(s) can be practiced outside the church buildings.

But, true it's a move in the direction of religious freedom.

 

[rsr]

In Saudi Arabia or China?

China does not recognize religious freedom; it tolerates some religions, but toleration can be canceled at any time. The Chinese government has become increasingly intolerant of any religion that it does not control. Religions are considered an obstacle to a uniform Chinese identity which the government needs to continue its control over the population.

Things have in fact worsened over the past several years. Xi has stepped up control over many religious groups even as he has tightened his grip on the bureaucracy and is, in effect, a new Chinese emperor.

 

[HankD]

In Saudi Arabia or China?
.

Comments in #5 are concerning Saudi Arabia