HM King praised the efforts of Church priests in Bahrain hailing their call to promote constructive cooperation and maintain peaceful coexistence between all tolerant religions.
He stressed the important role played by priests in spreading awareness and promoting the principles of admiration, tolerance and cooperation among all people, pointing out that through its history, the Kingdom of Bahrain has guaranteed the religious freedom, which helped make Bahrain’s relations with the countries of the world close and based on mutual respect and cooperation and enhanced its status worldwide.
HM the King wished the priests every success in carrying out their duties, enhancing intercultural dialogue and promoting religious tolerance to avoid extremism.
HM said Bahrain respects all religions and he was happy to see religious diversity multiplicity in Bahrain which enjoys one family spirit. HM the Kingdom stressed Bahrain’s keenness to provide decent living and the best of services for all citizens, stressing that the process of reform will continue in the best interest of Bahrain, its citizens and residents.
Pope Jim Harrison gave a speech expressing pleasure at meeting HM the King. He also voiced gratitude to HM, the Royal family and the people of Bahrain for their hospitality in accommodating churches in the Kingdom.
He also wished Bahrain and its people further progress and prosperity.
Pope Harrison praised HM the Kingdom’s statesmanship in leading in time of crises.