Bahrain has long stood as a beacon of peace, coexistence and religious harmony in the region, His Majesty King Hamad’s personal representative Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa said while attending a ceremony marking the 120th anniversary of the National Evangelical Church in the kingdom.
The ceremony was held in co-operation with King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, in the presence of senior officials, diplomats, religious figures, and invited guests.
Shaikh Abdulla conveyed the greetings of His Majesty to the attendees. He noted that the church’s milestone coincides with the royal directive to designate this year as the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer” in commemoration of the founder of the modern state and the leader of institutional development in Bahrain’s history Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa.
Shaikh Abdulla commended the significant role of King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance to enhance Bahrain’s image as the land of peace, development and prosperity. He also praised those in charge of the National Evangelical Church, lauding the excellent organisation of the event and the church’s efforts in promoting peace, tolerance and coexistence.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister and Board of Trustees Chairman of King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed utmost thanks and gratitude to the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their support and efforts to promote the values of tolerance, coexistence and civilisational openness.
The minister also expressed appreciation for the humanitarian and community role played by the National Evangelical Church since its establishment.
Pastor of the National Evangelical Church and White Flags Association President Reverend Hani Aziz expressed appreciation for the royal support for the occasion, commending Bahrain’s position as a centre for religious freedom and coexistence, as well as the efforts and initiatives of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance in promoting peace, understanding and dialogue at the national, regional and international levels.
The ceremony included a short documentary on the history of the National Evangelical Church since its establishment in 1906, hymns and other activities reflecting the spirit of religious tolerance and coexistence in Bahrain.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla presented a commemorative gift from the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance to Shaikh Abdulla, followed by a commemorative photograph.
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