China: Growth of interfaith prayer rooms in international airports

Chapel Washington Dulles airport

In recent years, several Chinese international airports have set up prayer rooms for Christians, Muslims and members of other faiths. Beijing Capital International Airport ; Shuang Liu International Airport in Cheng Du, the capital of the province of Si Chuan; Xian Yang International Airport in Xian; in Kun Ming, the capital of the province of Yun Nan; and the international airport of Ordos in Inner Mongolia all offer passengers a quiet space in which to pray.

The most recent such 'spiritual oasis'opened recently in the busiest international airport in Shen Zhen, a free trade area in the south of mainland China. About 30 square meters, the chapel is simply decorated with benches and has copies of the Bible available for visitors.

Local press report that "the opening of the prayer hall is a sign of recognition of the Christian culture, of respect for international guests, facilitating their moral and spiritual needs. Being a city with a large influx of foreigners, the initiative also helps to understand the Christian culture and promote evangelisation."

Source: Fides/ICN