A land of tolerance

King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence Board of Trustees’ Chairman Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa met His Eminence Bishop Niphon Saikali of Philipopolis, the Antioch Patriarch’s representative to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia and discussed co-operation.  

He expressed thanks to His Eminence Bishop Niphon Saikali of Philipopolis for the warm welcome, highlighting Bahrain’s strides in promoting tolerance and peaceful co-existence between social segments. He cautioned against any politicisation of societies, reiterating Bahrain’s stance against exploiting religion to fuel crises between people, building on millennia-old civilisational heritage and deep-rooted history.

Dr Shaikh Khalid described Bahrain’s strides as a model to emulate, paying tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for promoting enlightened thought, thus following in the steps of fathers and forefathers. He underlined the crucial role of King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence which draws its objectives and activities from the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration, advocating commitment to religion, patriotism and acceptance of others.

His Eminence Bishop Niphon Saikali of Philipopolis paid tribute to HM the King, hailing his role in promoting peace and interfaith tolerance, keenness on places of worship and generous donations to churches and mosques. He commended the strenuous exerted by the Kingdom of Bahrain to promote freedom of worship and dialogue between civilisations and religions, tolerance and peaceful co-existence and moderate policies.

His Eminence Bishop Niphon Saikali of Philipopolis recalled his visit to Bahrain on 200th anniversary of the Hindu Temple in Manama, hailing the Kingdom’s religious liberties with churches representing all Christian communities and congregations. He hailed the role of HM the King in building bridges between civilisations and religions, strengthening social fabric.

His Eminence Bishop Niphon Saikali of Philipopolis, the Antioch Patriarch’s representative to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia hosted a lunch banquet in honour of Dr Shaikh Khalid and the accompanying delegation.