Muslim villagers in Gujranwala, Pakistan are helping Christians in the city to rebuild St. Mary's Church to accommodate more worshipers.
In a Muslim-majority country, the harmony between two religions serves as a role model for many who persecute minorities for their faith.
Father Samran Anwar, who laid the foundation stone of St. Mary's Church said, this "is an example of true love and brotherhood that Muslim people have opened their hearts and are financing the construction work."
"A church is the physical body of Christ on earth and we are the living parts of that one body because of the spirit of God. It is the physical representation of Heaven itself and the Holy Mass is celebrated in a church," Father Anwar added.
The Christian leader is glad that not only the local Christian community but also Muslim brothers are supporting the construction work, which is a true sign of brotherhood and peace.
Nazir Masih, a local teacher in charge of the church renovation work, shared that the rebuilt church will be "a shelter for the faithful."
For local Muslims, this act of unity is to keep the long tradition of living in peace as members of one community.
According to Masih, the church needs financial support to complete the construction work without any delay. For this good cause, a Muslim resident who wished to remain anonymous contributed 60,000 rupees.
"My small contribution for the House of God has filled my heart with joy which cannot be expressed in words. We [Muslims and Christians] live side by side in peace and harmony. Our community is a shining example for others," said the anonymous Muslim resident.
