Manama, December 10 (BNA) The heads of churches in Bahrain affirmed that the opening of the largest Catholic cathedral in the Arabian Gulf in Bahrain confirms the enlightened visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa regarding the rapprochement between religions and cultures, noting that it was the outcome of the government’s efforts led by His Royal Highness. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to consolidate these values and principles in Bahraini society.
They stressed that this distinctive monument consolidates the principles of the Kingdom in establishing and promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding between different cultures, as well as spreading the values of human brotherhood and coexistence among all, noting that the opening of the new cathedral means a lot. All components are religious, and provide exceptional features such as security, stability, well-being and prosperity.
In this regard, the Patron of the National Evangelical Church and the Head of the White Banners Society, Reverend Hani Aziz, said that the opening of the new cathedral confirms His Majesty’s keenness to consolidate the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that it is living evidence that tolerance and coexistence are among the well-established values in Bahrain.
He stressed that the presence of His Majesty’s personal representatives, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and senior officials to inaugurate the cathedral confirms the depth of tolerance and coexistence in the Kingdom.
The parish priest of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Reverend Xavier D’Souza, indicated that the opening of the new cathedral deepens Bahrain’s leading regional and international role in promoting tolerance and coexistence, adding to its rich record of efforts to spread peace.
Father Saba Haydousian, from the Greek Orthodox Church, affirmed that Bahrain is a land of tolerance and coexistence for all spectrums and different religions, noting that it is a land of peace and coexistence inherited through the ages, thanks to its leaders who believe in it. Notions of peace, as well as loving and welcoming people.
He pointed out that the Bahraini leadership inherited the approach of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence since ancient times, and even sought to develop and consolidate it more and more, especially during the reign of King Hamad, noting that His Majesty the King is always keen on that. Activating this coexistence on the ground, and making Bahrain a platform for the principles of coexistence and peace.
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