St. Paul’s Tamil Church CNI, Sharjah traces its humble beginnings to 1 September 2007, when a Tamil-speaking Christian congregation was established in Sharjah under the leadership of Rt. Revd Prakash Dinkar Patole, Bishop of Bombay.

The vision to establish a Tamil congregation in Sharjah was carried forward through the dedicated initiative of Mr. James Christhudhas, together with members of the congregation in Dubai and Sharjah. Recognising the spiritual needs of Tamil-speaking Christians living in the Northern Emirates, they approached the Diocese of Bombay seeking approval to begin a Tamil worshipping congregation in Sharjah. With the approval and blessing of the Diocese, the congregation commenced its journey of faith.

The first Priest-in-Charge was Revd P. Mathew Gnanasigamani, who faithfully led the congregation during its formative years. In the beginning, the congregation gathered for worship at Union Church, Sharjah, every Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. What began as a small gathering gradually grew as more families and individuals joined the fellowship.

In due course, believers from Ajman also became part of the congregation, strengthening the fellowship and expanding its ministry across Sharjah and the neighbouring Emirates.

From its early days, the church placed a strong emphasis on the spiritual growth and holistic development of every generation. Special attention was given to Choir, Children’s Ministry, Youth Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship and Women’s Fellowship. These ministries provided opportunities for members to grow in the Word of God, prayer, fellowship and Christian service.

During the early years, many of the church's meetings and fellowship activities were conducted at the Parsonage. The Parsonage became a place of prayer, fellowship and spiritual encouragement, where members gathered together as one family in Christ.

One of the distinctive ministries of the church was its Camp Ministry. Recognising the needs of brothers living in various labour camps, the church extended its pastoral and prayer ministry beyond the regular congregation. Ministry was carried out among people residing in areas such as Saif Zone, Sonapur, Al Quoz and Jebel Ali. Through visits, prayer and fellowship, the church sought to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with those living and working in these communities.

Intercessory prayer has also remained an important part of the spiritual life of the congregation. In the early days, Friday intercessory prayer meetings were held at the Parsonage, bringing members together to pray for the church, its members, families, community and the wider world.

An important part of the church’s journey has been the gracious support and hospitality extended by the Anglican Church in Sharjah. This support played a significant role in enabling the CNI congregation to continue and strengthen its ministry in the UAE.

In 2013, the Anglican Church graciously agreed to provide a Priest Visa for the CNI Sharjah Priest. We express our sincere gratitude to Revd Ernest Victor, Chaplain of the Anglican Church, for his graciousness, support and kind gesture towards the CNI congregation.

The congregation is also deeply grateful to Revd Fr. Drew Wayne Schmotzer for his continued gracious support and encouragement during the subsequent years. The hospitality and cooperation extended by the Anglican Church have been a valued part of our journey and are remembered with sincere thanksgiving.

Today, St. Paul’s Tamil Church CNI, Sharjah continues its journey under the episcopal leadership of Rt. Revd Prabhu D. Jebamani, Bishop of Bombay, seeking to remain faithful to Christ’s calling of worship, witness, service and mission.

Over the years, what began as a small Tamil-speaking worshipping community has continued to grow as a fellowship committed to worshipping God, nurturing faith, caring for one another and serving the community.

The history of St. Paul’s Tamil Church is therefore a testimony to God's faithfulness and the dedication of generations of clergy and members who have served the Lord. From its humble beginnings in 2007, the congregation continues to look forward with faith, seeking to fulfil its calling to worship Christ, grow in His Word, serve His people and proclaim His love.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Psalm 127:1