Gulf | Bahrain
Bahrain stresses importance of interfaith dialogue
Muslim Bahrain on Wednesday emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue, mutual acceptance and peaceful co-existence at a meeting between King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa and Pope Benedict XVI.
- By Habib ToumiBureau Chief
- Published: 00:04 July 10, 2008
Manama: Muslim Bahrain on Wednesday emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue, mutual acceptance and peaceful co-existence at a meeting between King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa and Pope Benedict XVI.
King Hamad who was received by the pontiff in his summer residence of Palazzo Apostolico di Castel Gandolfo in the hills south of Rome for morning talks said that the meeting was a continuation of the talks he started with Pope John Paul II.
King Hamad in November 1999 made a landmark visit to the Vatican where he was received by Pope John Paul II and the two states established relations in 2000.
"We stressed at the meeting with Pope Benedict XVI the significance of reinforcing bridges of understanding and co-existence while highlighting common human values among various religions and civilisations," King Hamad said in a statement following the talks.
Tolerance
"We also highlighted the importance of spreading the values of tolerance and moderation and discussed ways to consolidate cooperation between Bahrain and the Vatican in order to boost peaceful co-existence."
Bahrain, known for steadily encouraging interfaith dialogue, is home to the Scared Heart Church, the first church that was built in the Gulf 60 years ago.
"We have the most active Catholic churches in the region, and believers from all regions living in Bahrain are served by 30 Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches," King Hamad said.
Bahrain has a total native Christian population of about 1,000 and the community is represented in the upper house by Alice Samaan who holds the post of second deputy president.
She made history in April 2005 by becoming the first Christian to chair a parliamentary session in the Muslim world.
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