'New cathedral opening confirms Bahrain's pioneering role in promoting tolerance, coexistence'

Agencies| Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Heads of churches in Bahrain have affirmed that the opening of the Arabian Gulf’s largest Catholic cathedral in Bahrain confirms His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s enlightened visions regarding rapprochement among religions and cultures, noting that it is also the outcome of the efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to consolidate these values and principles among the Bahrain society.

They stressed that this distinguished monument consolidates the principles of the Kingdom in establishing and strengthening interfaith dialogue and understanding among different cultures, as well as spreading the values of human fraternity and coexistence among all, noting that the opening of the new cathedral means a lot to the various sects and religions coexisting in Bahrain, which, they said, is an oasis of tolerance, as it embraces all religious components, and provides exceptional features such as security, stability, welfare and prosperity.

In this regard, National Evangelical Church Pastor and Head of Al-Bayareq Al-Baidha Society, Reverend Hani Aziz, said that the opening of the new cathedral affirms HM the King’s keenness to consolidate the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that it is a living proof that tolerance and coexistence are deep-rooted values in Bahrain.

He asserted that the attendance of HM the King’s Personal Representatives, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and senior officials of the cathedral opening confirms the extent of the depth of tolerance and coexistence in the kingdom.

Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church, Reverend Xavier D'Souza, indicated that the opening of the new cathedral deepens Bahrain’s pioneering regional and international role in promoting tolerance and coexistence, adding to its rich record of efforts to spread peace.

Father Saba Haydousyan, from the Greek Orthodox Church, affirmed that Bahrain is the land of tolerance and coexistence for all spectrums and different religions, pointing out that it is the land of peace and coexistence inherited throughout the ages, thanks to its leaders who believe in the concepts of peace, as well as a loving and welcoming people.

He noted that the Bahraini leadership has 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 HM King Hamad, noting that HM the King is always keen to activate this coexistence on the ground, making Bahrain a platform for the principles of coexistence and peace.