Christianity in Qatar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Christian community in Qatar is a diverse mix of Indians, Filipinos, Europeans, Lebanese, and Americans. No foreign missionary groups operate openly in the country. Conversion from Islam to another religion technically is a capital offense. However, since independence no one was executed for this reason. There are arrests for proselytizing Muslims. A board composed of members of all the Christian churches was formed to liaise directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on religious matters.
[edit] Denominations
Among the denominations mentioned in World Christian Encyclopedia, Second edition, Volume 1, p. 617-618 are Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Arab Evangelical Church, Christian Brethren and Anglican Church. The Coptic minority in Qatar is influential. There are about 50,000 Roman Catholics who are under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia. Qatar's Anglican population is estimated at 7,000 to 10,000 persons. In 2006 the first building of a church in 14 centuries was started. It will include a conference centre and other facilities.
[edit] Sources
- Qatar article
- Roman Catholicism in Qatar article
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- [2]
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- World Christian Encyclopedia, Second edition, Volume 1, p. 617
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