For the past two weeks, the worshipers from the Gilly mosque in Charleroi, Belgium, managed by the Ak-Touba associations, were left without a place of worship.After leaving their first mosque, on Bois de Lobbes in Gilly, which became too small, the association moved into a hangar in Ransart.
But that was closed down for municipal and security reasons.
Mohamed, a worshiper in the area, says that the city of Charleroi gave them a hall in the Montignies-sur-Sambre area, but that this quick solution could only be temporary.
And now, until May 15th, it's the Catholic Church of Saint Lambert which is hosting the Muslim worshipers.
The church priest, Henry Rémy (89), says it's a natural gesture towards believers, and that he would be happy if he saw as many people in his services as he did in the Muslim services.
Opening the church of Saint Lambert in Jumet to Muslim worshipers was done with the agreement of the Dean of Gilly. The situation is greatly appreciated by the Muslims of the Ak-Touba association.
The Muslim worshiper said that they hope the city of Charleroi will enable them to return soon to their mosque in Ransart, but in the meantime, they are very happy to be able to worship: a church or a mosque, they're two places to praise God.
SIC: ABNA