Religion news: churches in Qatar; FSM in the AAR

[qatarperegrine]

A Peninsula article gives more info on the building of churches in Qatar than I had previously read. Various Christian churches exist in Qatar, but thus far they have been meeting in private homes and schools. A couple years ago the emir provided land for the construction of church buildings, and it sounds like they will soon be done. Within a year or so, Qatar should boast physical Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Coptic, and Indian churches.

More interestingly, the article puts the number of Christians in Qatar at a little over 140,000. That's around 15% of the population of Qatar. Official statistics always say that Qatar is over 95% Muslim, but those stats must only take Qatari citizens into account. I often wonder what percentage are Hindu and Buddhist, given the large Asian communities living here.

In other news, a panel discussion at the American Academy of Religion's annual conference this weekend will focus on the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I heartily approve.

Comments

[qatar.livejournal.com]

I'm not the one who gets comments when I wear pink at City Center. It's expected of girls.

Did you get Greg's SMS in time, then? :-}

[(Anonymous)]

If Greg be an agent of the Purple Oyster of Doom, then no.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

Do you suspect Greg?!?!?

What are the signs that someone is an agent of the PO(oD)?

[(Anonymous)]

The Pizza Test!!!! I see you have the brackets in the right place fellow traveler.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

I have witnessed Greg eating pizza with pineapple -- is that sufficient?

[(Anonymous)]

Poor Greg, I haven't a clue who he is or you neither. But Pineapple & HAM is a prerequisite of the faith, so smuggle some in to test his leanings! I have often flirted with the dark side myself, though mushrooms on pizza only the darkest hearts desire.
I'm going to stop this now as it makes me feel far too much like a stalker :D You might be on QL for all I know and we may of corresponded. Adey.
Its a moot point if She is invisible, pink or both, a feel a schism coming on.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

Aww, I was 93% sure you were a friend of mine from work. But now I'm sure you're not, since both that friend and I are vegetarian and therefore spurn HAM.

My favorite pizza is pineapple and onion, and I feel certain that Her Pinkness (and Invisibleness) approves.

But I *like* being stalked! And I was on QL long ago, I think as Marjorie, so you'd know if we had talked.

[(Anonymous)]

Hmmm, stalking could be my next hobby. But do I have the time to give it the devotion it requires? Will have to get back to you about that....maybe by persistent heavy breathing phone calls lol :D