# First Catholic Church Opens in Qatar Sign of the Times By Dee Sandin | Published 2008-03-15 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-catholic-church-opens-in-qatar-sign-of-the-times References: [foxnews](http://www.foxnews.com/) & [foxnews](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,338014,00.html) This weekend, with the blessings of that nation's emir, 5,000 faithful will celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary's historic consecration as the first [catholic church in Doha, Qatar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lulu-hypermarket). Yet there is no cross, no bell, no steeple or sign because some [Muslim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muslim-hikers) people have deemed it as offensive and the parish priest, Father Tom Veneracion worries about backlash. Sadly, a national referendum has been called to determine the fate of the church. They are very brave, and let's hope it causes no bloodshed ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Interfaith Dialogue:** The opening of the first Catholic church in Qatar indicates a growing trend of interfaith dialogue and cooperation between different religious groups in the region. - **Religious Tolerance:** The controversy surrounding the lack of a cross, bell, steeple, or sign at the first Catholic church in Qatar points to a trend of increasing religious tolerance and the need for sensitivity towards different cultures and beliefs. - **Globalization of Religion:** The establishment of a Catholic church in Qatar is a manifestation of the globalization of religion, as religious institutions expand their reach and influence beyond their traditional geographic and cultural boundaries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Religious Tourism:** The opening of the first Catholic church in Qatar could create opportunities for religious tourism, as travelers visit the country to explore its cultural and religious diversity. - **Interfaith Education:** The controversy surrounding the first Catholic church in Qatar highlights the need for interfaith education and training programs, creating opportunities for organizations to develop and promote these initiatives. - **Religious Services and Supplies:** The establishment of a Catholic church in a predominantly Muslim country like Qatar could create new demand for religious services and supplies, such as priests, church decorations, and Catholic literature. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Qatar 3d-Printed Building Plans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bodxl.md) - [Beautifully Sculptural Concrete Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lusail-museum.md) - [Geometric Cone-Shaped Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bab-al-salam-mosque.md) - [Religious Mascot Official Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luce.md) - [Stacked Concrete Memorial Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qatar-world-cup-memorial.md) - [Red Brick Geometric Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bait-ur-raiyan-mosque.md) - [Fluted Concrete-Added Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-marys-coptic-church.md) - [Cultural Civic Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ismaili-center-houston.md) - [Classically Designed Geometric Mosques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mamluki-lancet-mosque.md)