Churches in Bahrain threatened with eviction

Churches in Bahrain could be facing eviction in Manama after the Bahrain Government gave them two weeks notice to provide documents proving that they were given permission to operate in the country.

At least ten churches, including two Episcopal and seven Pentecostal churches have been affected, according to Salem Voice Ministries (SVM).

Abdulmajeed Al Sebea'a, municipal councillor of Manama has claimed that some of the churches in Segaiya do not have a licence from the Manama Municipality, the Social Development Ministry or the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry.

In response, a meeting has been called by the Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty. Representatives of the affected churches (one of which is the Anglican Church of South India) will attend the meeting with the ambassador to study the issue in detail. According to SVM, they have asked him to take up the issue on an urgent basis.

Shetty has said he wants to find if the main problem the Government has is related to parking problems, or the fact that the churches are not registered. He said, "I have to study the issue in detail before taking it up with the authorities concerned," reports SVM.

"Some of the churches have applied for registration that would legalise their existence, but are still waiting for a response," said Pastor PC Verghese, president of the Sharon Fellowship Church.

"We appreciate the magnanimity of the landlords in this area who have been supporting us for conducting prayer meetings in their buildings."

One of the Church leaders told SVM, "We, Indian Christians have been worshipping in Bahrain for a long time as different Christian groups. We would like to confirm that we don't have any business other than worshipping God. We do not disturb the neighbours.

"We have also made necessary parking arrangements without causing any problem to neighbours or local friends in the area."

Half of the ten churches are believed to have registered with the Social Development Ministry. Municipal Councillor Al Sebea'a also said that a number of church leaders had contacted him either saying they could prove their legal status or asking for assistance in getting registered within two weeks. He also said that he had received letters from Christians in Bahrain.

The Rev Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI), and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries have used an advocate to urge Manama Municipality and the Social Development Ministry to find an immediate and amicable solution in favour of Christians rather than evict the churches.

There are fears that fundamentalists may use the opportunity to persecute Christians should the churches be evicted.