The freedom granted in Bahrain to practise faiths and celebrate cultures is a bedrock of its society, top ministers and diplomats heard during a special gala dinner last night.
The event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf was organised in collaboration with This Is Bahrain at the Gulf Convention Centre, in the presence of Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi.
“The Anglican Church has had a respected and meaningful presence in Bahrain since 1953, and in our region for well over a century. The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf was established to serve diverse, international congregations across vast geographies, grounded in worship, pastoral care, education, and service to society,” This is Bahrain chairperson Betsy Mathieson noted during her remarks.
“In Bahrain, this legacy has flourished in a spirit of mutual respect and openness.
“It is especially significant that this conference takes place in the year designated by His Majesty King Hamad as The Year of Isa Al Kabeer.
“In the late 19th century, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the founder of modern Bahrain, laid visionary foundations for religious freedom, justice, and peaceful coexistence – principles that were far ahead of their time and deeply rooted in wisdom and humanity.
“Under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, this remarkable heritage has not only been preserved, but strengthened and elevated, positioning Bahrain today as a global model for peaceful coexistence, freedom of religion, and respect for human dignity.
“Here in Bahrain, diversity is not the exception – it is the normal way of life.”
Amongst the female changemakers present at the event were Christian organisation Mothers’ Union’s worldwide president Kathleen Snow, and the Anglican Communion’s permanent representative to the UN Martha Jarvis.
Also present was the Diocese’s bishop The Right Reverend Sean Semple, who was consecrated in Bahrain in 2024, alongside local representatives from multiple faiths.
“This is the only place in the Gulf where we have a throne of an Anglican bishop,” British Ambassador Alastair Long noted in his remarks.
“It was quite an occasion to witness Bishop Semple’s consecration, and I have in my role as Ambassador of the UK in Bahrain a duty to represent our king and his wider interests, one of which is as head of the Anglican Communion and Defender of the Faith.
“So when I wrote of this extraordinary consecration occasion, His Majesty (King Charles III) read it with great interest and affection, because he so admires the Kingdom of Bahrain and the culture of peaceful coexistence it has created.”
Last night’s dinner kicked off a three-day ‘synod’, the key feature of which will be a service at sea – the first of its kind in Bahrain – expected to set sail this afternoon at 4pm, and also organised in collaboration with This is Bahrain.
The synod – a formal gathering of church officials to discuss, deliberate and advise on matters of doctrine, administration and church life – will continue until tomorrow.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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