ASIA/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - The United Arab Emirates create the "Ministry for happiness and tolerance"

Wednesday, 10 February 2016 politics  

consolata.org

Abu Dhabi (Agenzia Fides) - The rulers of the United Arab Emirates have decided to create a "Ministry for happiness and tolerance". The new institution was established in the context of the broader reorganization of governmental structures created since the Country was established, 44 years ago.
The establishment of the new department took place via a separate royal decree signed by Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktum, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the Country.
"It is the beginning of a new journey towards new acquisitions, to the benefit of the people", wrote the Prime Minister in a message via his Twitter account. The mission of the new ministry - refer sources consulted by Agenzia Fides - is to ensure the government's policies are aligned to create social good and satisfaction among the country's citizens. For this purpose - added Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktum - the new department "has been created to promote tolerance as a fundamental value in UAE society".
On June 12 last year, a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Paul was inaugurated in Mussaffah, suburb of Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. The day before, the inaugural ceremony was attended by the Minister for Culture, Nahyan bin Mubarak, who in his speech described the opening of the new church as a sign of "religious tolerance" on behalf of national leaders. On the same occasion, Cardinal Parolin had noticed how the consecration and dedication of a new church also represents "a sign of vitality" of the local church community, and Bishop Paul Hinder, OFM, Apostolic Vicar for South Arabia, expressed gratitude "for the stability and peace that we enjoy in this Country". In UAE there are about 900 thousand Catholics: the community is made up of immigrant workers who mostly come from other Asian Countries, starting from the Philippines and India. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 10/02/2016)


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