Tyler O'Neil: Church Surprised After Rented Building Is Sold to Islamic Society

A church in Australia was taken by surprise when the building it was renting for worship services for the past 14 years was sold with little notice. The building has become the first mosque in Toowoomba, Queensland.

"It was a complete surprise," John Solomon, pastor of Westside Christian Church, told the Sunshine Coast Daily on Friday. His church had been renting a building from Lifeworks Uniting Church for 14 years. Lifeworks Uniting Church then proceeded to sell the building to the Islamic Society of Toowoomba.

"We continued operating in the good faith that we would be advised if we needed to relocate," Solomon explained. "Then the April settlement date was brought right forward and we had to find a new place, quick smart."

The Westside pastor also criticized the Islamic Society for "turning up to look through the place without our permission," even during a wedding rehearsal. Keep reading

The sale of  the building to an Islamic society ostensibly to help fund a new ministry raises serious questions about the Uniting Church's commitment to the spread of the gospel. This action does not serve the gospel even if the proceeds from the building's sale go toward funding a new ministry.

Photo: Kevin Farmer