Hundreds of people of different nationalities arrived on buses from all over the country to attend the elaborate opening ceremony.

Bishop Michael Lewis, of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, officially opened St Luke’s to worshippers. He gathered worshippers around the entrance before the service and said: “Let the doors be opened.” A hymn was sung after the procession moved into the church and the congregation took their seats. There was an offertory procession, breaking of the bread and communion.

Bishop Lewis described the church as “a real sign of hope for the Christian community – the church exceeded my expectations. It’s a beautiful building,” he said. “I am grateful to the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, for donating the land.” The church, which can accommodate 2,000 people and sits on a 5,600 square metre plot, is the seventh Anglican church in the UAE.

Read  the full article in “The National” here.

Read an associated article in “Gulf News” here.