Michigan Imam Allows Church Services in Mosque

The imam of a Michigan mosque is allowing members of a church to use the mosque for services while the church waits for a new building.

Delays in the construction of its new building left the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lansing needing a temporary home, according to Christian Today.

The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing mosque said the church could use its building free of charge as a show of unity.

"No charge whatsoever," Rev. Kathryn Bert, the church's pastor, said. "It's been a lovely story to live. It has been a beautiful relationship."

Church members have been gathering on Sundays in the mosque building since April 3.

"It worked out well for us both," Sohail Chaudhry, the imam of the Islamic Society, told the Lansing State Journal.

Christian Today reports the imam wants the agreement to "provide an example to other faith-based communities around the nation."

The church plans to give its tithe from one Sunday to the mosque to express their appreciation. The mosque plans to donate the tithe to Islamic Relief USA, an organization that has the goal of helping to resettle refugees.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lansing plans to relocate to its new building by May.

The Universalist church is not considered mainline orthodox Christianity by most Christian leaders.