Kuwait MPs block church building because it 'contradicts Sharia law'

Plans to build churches in Kuwait have been rejected by MPs because they "contradict Islamic Sharia law".

Sheikh Sabah al Khalid al Sabah is Kuwait's Emir and official leader Reuters

The Gulf country's government, which is unelected and seperate from the elected MPs in parliament, initially accepted the church building proposals and allocated a number of sites for construction.

However it was rejected by MPs in the legislature. Islamist MP Ahmad al-Azemi said he and other MPs would reject the plans because they "contradict Islamic Sharia law".

He said his rejection is based on constitutional and religious grounds since Islam is the official religion of Kuwait and the main source of legislation. He added that Islamic scholars are unanimous in banning the building of non-Muslim places of worship in the Arabian Peninsula.

News that the government had approved sites for church building was reported to local press by Ahmad al-Manfoohi, general director of the municipality. It was met with extensive public criticism and al-Azemi urged the government against taking decisions that weren't in line with the view of Kuwait's conservative religious society.

Kuwait's citizens are majority Muslim with an estimated 60-70 per cent Sunni and 30-40 per cent Shia, although there are no official figures.

article,article,article,article,article Related

However the Gulf state, which is a US ally, also has a significant Christian expatriate population although the number of Kuwaiti Christians is very low.

Despite its conservative society, Kuwait stands out from other Gulf monarchies for having the most open political system. Women have the right to vote and stand in elections, although one ruling family holds most of the key posts.

The parliament, made up of ruling MPs, has the most power of any elected body in the Gulf but the ruling family make up the municipality, or government, which has final say over key decisions.

related articles
Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Iran as row over cleric\'s execution escalates
Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Iran as row over cleric's execution escalates

Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Iran as row over cleric's execution escalates

Iran crisis:  \'We are not natural-born enemies\' says Saudi UN envoy
Iran crisis: 'We are not natural-born enemies' says Saudi UN envoy

Iran crisis: 'We are not natural-born enemies' says Saudi UN envoy

The surprising surge of Christianity in the Middle East

The surprising surge of Christianity in the Middle East

Saeed Abedini: How he was released through diplomatic pressure and faithful prayer
Saeed Abedini: How he was released through diplomatic pressure and faithful prayer

Saeed Abedini: How he was released through diplomatic pressure and faithful prayer

Should Christians embrace a secular society?
Should Christians embrace a secular society?

Should Christians embrace a secular society?

News
The power of Good Friday: reflecting on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice
The power of Good Friday: reflecting on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice

Now, let’s be honest — calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion and death “Good” can sound strange, even contradictory. What’s good about an innocent man dying a brutal death on a cross? The answer lies in the purpose and outcome of that sacrifice.

The Supreme Court ruling on women was an important step forward but more needs to be done
The Supreme Court ruling on women was an important step forward but more needs to be done

We must go further and recognise throughout society and culture that no one can change their sex – only their appearance.

English Heritage accused of whitewashing Christianity from Easter
English Heritage accused of whitewashing Christianity from Easter

One visitor to an English Heritage site took exception to what he called the “whitewashing” of history.

US criticised for failing to bring up religious freedom in Iran talks
US criticised for failing to bring up religious freedom in Iran talks

The USA has failed to bring up religious freedom in its engagement with Iran