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]

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