Declaration for promoting dialogue, understanding

Los Angeles : Shaikh Nasser stressed that this day is “a reminder to all of us of what we have achieved in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding, as well as another reminder of the work we must complete, in combating hate speech and bigotry.”

‘A new Middle East’

Speaking on the occasion, Rabbi Marvin Hier, Dean and Founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, spoke about his experience during his first visit to Bahrain last February and his meeting with His Majesty the King during an unforgettable
hour.

Hier said that the most exciting part of his visit was listening to His Majesty outlining his vision for the new Middle East, one solidly based on the principles of inclusion and human dignity that rejects extremism.

‘Ambitious vision’

Reverend Johnnie Moore said that Bahrain Declaration represents an ambitious vision to highlight the best qualities of faith at a time when religion is hideously exploited before the
world.

“Bahrain is blessed with a culture of peaceful coexistence,” he said adding: “The vision of the Bahrain Declaration calls for religious freedom for all without derogating from any religion.”

“The declaration of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa calls on us to play an active role in building a global world where our belief in God is a blessing for all mankind and a foundation for peace,” he said.  

‘Pioneering initiatives’

Secretary General of the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA), Betsy Mathieson, said that the Bahrain Declaration and the King Hamad International Centre are pioneering initiatives of His Majesty the King to promote international support for his unique vision of peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue.

The King Hamad Global Centre for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence, which will be opened in November 2017 will include a museum to showcase Bahrain’s historic heritage, rich  in religious freedom and peaceful coexistence for centuries.