BAHRAIN’s Christians are running out of burial plots and their only functioning cemetery is expected to be full within two years, it has emerged.

There are only about 20 burial spaces left at the New Christian Cemetery, in Salmabad, and there is no word on whether additional land will be made available, St Christopher’s Cathedral dean The Very Reverend Christopher Butt told the GDN.

The graveyard dates back to 1961 and complements the Old Christian Cemetery, which was first established in Gudaibiya in 1901.

Rev Butt said church leaders had been aware of the problem for some time, but there was simply not enough money available to buy a plot of land for a new Christian graveyard.

“We have known about this problem for some time,” he said.

“But we are noticing the quick running out of space and the inability to acquire land.

“We have addressed the issue to (Bahraini) authorities, but nothing has happened as yet.”

However, Rev Butt said it was important for members of the Christian community to have the option of being buried in Bahrain.

Expensive

“Many Christians do not have the resources to have their bodies flown home – it is expensive,” he said.

“Although many would prefer to have their bodies repatriated, the expenditure related to it sometimes means that is not possible.”

He added that other Christians who made Bahrain their home often preferred to be buried here, rather than in their country of birth.

“A number of Christians made Bahrain their home and will die in Bahrain,” he said.

“This continues to be the reality. Some are married to Bahrainis, so the issue is pressing.

“For many, cremation is not an option.”

Bahrain’s two existing Christian cemeteries are rich in history, although much of it tragic.

Among those buried there are victims of a British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) crash on August 22, 1948 that killed seven people; the August 23, 2000 Gulf Air crash that killed 143 people, and the Al Dana dhow tragedy on March 30, 2006, when 58 people were killed aboard a converted fishing boat that capsized off the coast of Muharraq.

“Some are war graves, British servicemen as well as victims of the Air France crashes that happened in Bahrain years ago,” said Rev Butt.

“These cemeteries contain history, stories of the community and their presence in Bahrain.”

He revealed the next step would be for ambassadors and church leaders to raise the shortage of burial space with Bahraini authorities.

“We are hoping to be gifted the land, as we do not have the resources to purchase any,” he said.

“The land should serve for the long-term, which is at least 30 years to come, and be able to hold around 300 graves.”

The issue was discussed during a visit to both existing cemeteries by British Ambassador and Bahrain Christian Cemeteries Committee chairman Iain Lindsay.

In a statement he said authorities were sympathetic to the problem.

“They have indicated that it is of concern to them too,” he said.

“The Bahrain Christian Cemeteries Committee has resolved to request a meeting with appropriate authorities that will include representative church leaders, who have a pastoral concern for the whole of the Christian community, and ambassadors whose citizens are especially affected by this growing need.”

Meanwhile, Manama Municipal Council vice-chairman Mohammed Mansoor suggested raising the issue with the council.

“Bahrain respects all religions and sects and has always lived in harmony with them,” he said.

“The committee could raise the issue to the council and we could then study possible options to solve the matter or guide the committee.”

basma@gdn.com.bh