Religious intolerance in Saudi Arabia

Submitted by Gabriel Grosso (Italy), Jan 11, 2003 at 09:38

"Saudi Arabia knows only one religion, and it is Islam". Is this the Saudi Arabian view of religious tolerance? Religious tolerance cannot always be one way only. I am glad that there is a Muslim community in the country where I live. However, tolerance should be reciprocal. The Saudi government should be open to other religions. Christians working in Saudi Arabia should be allowed to practice their own faith. The Saudi government should be pressured to allow religious freedom in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia (and similar nations) show double standards. Christians should be allowed to build churches in Saudi Arabia. At the moment, not a single church exists in Saudi Arabia. The US government should use its influence to end Saudi hypocrisy and double standards. Saudi Arabia (and similar nations) promote religious intolerance. Relationships between religions have never been easy. However, the Saudi attitude is one of intolerance and hypocrisy. Prohibiting Christian worship is a clear violation of human rights.

I live in the multi-religious city of London. I find it incredible that Saudi Arabia is afraid of its citizens being 'offended' by the presence of Christians in its territory. After reading this letter, left-wingers will almost certainly hurl insults at me. There is no point in arguing with them. But to the rest of you, I have something to say. If we are tolerant towards religious minorities, we don't we ask Saudi Arabia (and similar nations) to do the same?

---

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".