Indian churches face eviction in Bahrain

At least ten Churches serving the Indian community in Bahrain could be facing eviction after the Bahrain Government gave them two weeks notice to provide documents proving they were permitted to operate in the country.

According to the daily al–Sharq al–Awsat, the row over the churches erupted when local residents living in the neighborhood of Sebaea in the capital Manama complained about parking problems caused by 10 churches existing on an 8–metre–wide road.

In response to protests by various Christian groups in India and the West, the tiny Gulf country stressed that churches enjoyed unrestricted freedom of religion.

"The Bahraini people are cultured, aware and open towards different human civilizations. They are distinguished by their acceptance of others and have no hatred or animosity towards anyone," Bahraini sources said.

"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.

Half of the ten churches are believed to have registered with the Social Development Ministry. Municipal Councilor 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.

Bahrain urged all religious institutions operating in the country to abide by the registration rules set for places of worship