Bahrain's endeavors to promote coexistence among all communities regardless of their faith have been highlighted at an annual global inter-faith gathering in Bologna, Italy.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowment Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa cited Bahrain hosting the Dialogue Among Civilizations in 2002 and 2014, the Bahrain Declaration launched in 2017 and the establishment of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, as well as the King Hamad Chair at the University of Sapienza to promote dialogue and coexistence.
Bahrain, thanks to its wise leadership, open-minded people and civilized heritage, has become home to cultural pluralism and a land of tolerance among religions, sects and cultures, enabling everyone to practice their rites and to enjoy their rights, Shaikh Khalid said in his speech at the 2021 G20 Interfaith Forum.
The gathering brings together interreligious and intercultural organizations, religious leaders, scholars, humanitarian and development organizations and economic and civil society actors to stimulate interfaith dialogue and promote the values of coexistence and tolerance.
It also addresses the role of religions and cultures in advancing a common international understanding concerned with establishing peace and promoting cultural acquaintance among people of different beliefs.
This year's forum is held under the theme “Time to Heal: Peace Among Cultures, Understanding Between Religions”.
In his speech, Shaikh Khalid highlighted the importance of establishing the rule of law without differentiating between people of different beliefs, taking into account religious idiosyncrasies in matters related to personal status and the practice of worship in the context of coexistence and mutual respect.
He also emphasized the significance of concerted efforts and international cooperation to end conflicts in the name of religion or ethnic or cultural origin, and to make room for the people of different religions to work together to promote development, coexistence and mutual respect.
He emphasized that conflicts based on religious, doctrinal or ethnic bases pose a great threat to peace, coexistence, humanity as a whole, and religions that must invariably represent the ideals of humanity.