Church and mosque build 'beautiful relationship' after sharing building

The Islamic Centre is allowing a church to worship in its building each sunday, as it awaits a new home Facebook

A church and a mosque in America have developed a 'beautiful relationship', after the imam offered local Christians a home while their church waited for a new building.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lansing, in Michigan, was in need of a temporary home after delays in construction to its new building left it without a site to meet.

The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing mosque heard about the situation and offered its building to the church in solidarity, totally free of charge.

"No charge whatsoever," said Rev Kathryn Bert, pastor of the church.

"It's been a lovely story to live. It has been a beautiful relationship."

The church has been meeting in the mosque building on Sundays since April 3.

"It worked out well for us both," Sohail Chaudhry, the imam of the Islamic Society told the Lansing State Journal.

He hoped the collaboration would "provide an example to other faith-based communities around the nation".

In gratitude, the church dedicated its tithe from one Sunday to the mosque, which the mosque plans to donate to Islamic Relief USA, which works to help resettle refugees.

The church plans to move into its new building, an "upcycled school", by May this year.

related articles
Southern Baptist leaders urge Christians to respond to refugees with love, not fear

Southern Baptist leaders urge Christians to respond to refugees with love, not fear

Christians and Muslims unite to serve refugees in Sweden

Christians and Muslims unite to serve refugees in Sweden

New mission guide advises British Christians how to reach out to Muslims
New mission guide advises British Christians how to reach out to Muslims

New mission guide advises British Christians how to reach out to Muslims

News
The story of New Year’s resolutions
The story of New Year’s resolutions

1 January is when people traditionally start the new year with a fresh resolution. This is the story …

Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.