Over 8,000 people witness launch of UCKG Cathedral in Portugal.
Porto (Portugal) – The inauguration of the first Cathedral of Faith in Europe took place on 1st August 2010. It was an historic day for the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God which celebrated the event with a huge gathering in the city of Porto, in Portugal.
Known as the Centre for Spiritual Help in Europe, the church transmitted the inauguration proceedings live over the internet on www.iurd.pt. Nearly 8,000 people were present during three days of meetings to mark the event. Bishop Julius Davis, responsible for the evangelistic work of the Universal Church in Portugal and in Europe, officiated together with Bishop Fernandez, responsible for the Centre for Spiritual Help in northern Portugal.
The main hall of the new Cathedral of Faith, located at Rua Egas Moniz, Porto cidadedo, was packed with more than 2,400 people each day.
We are free
In the message delivered by Bishop Julio Freitas, it was explained why the Universal Church has faced opposition, persecution, insults, threats and discrimination by people with bad intentions, various sects and religions who are threatened by the Centre for Spiritual Help.
“We work for all people in different levels of society — the needy, the sick, the lost, flawed and broken, finally, even all the outcasts of society. For if the God in whom we believe exists, He will change their lives. So it has happened throughout the history of the Universal Church in Portugal and in 177 countries,” said Bishop Freitas.
He said that faith must be practiced with lucidity. ”The bigots and extremists think those who seek God are weak, poor, uneducated people. They know we are free because of God. With God in our lives, we can build in all areas and thus enjoy a balanced quality of life. This makes us independent of everything and everyone, except God. We are not weak, we are strong and here’s proof: the construction of the first Cathedral of Faith in Europe. It’s the first of many! ” he said.
“Keep in mind one thing: when some lose, others win,” he added.
During one afternoon gathering, over 1,700 young people packed the main auditorium of the Cathedral to hear Bishop Julius Davis talk about the importance of persevering in the practice of what is good and true, and trying to serve God and neighbours. He prayed for all those present who had the privilege of serving God in the lobby, at the altar or through a personal encounter with Him.
Unprejudiced
The last meeting was devoted especially to members, evangelists, workers, pastors and bishops. In the message, Bishop Julius Davis spoke about the importance of spreading faith further afield to give others the same opportunity as every one present had had.
By: Unipress international