Religious harmony in Bahrain hailed
Dec 15, 2005
A visiting Christian leader yesterday praised the spirit of religious harmony in Bahrain. Bahrain is a true example of a nation which respects all faiths and religions, said His Eminence Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, the Major Archbishop of the Catholic Church's Syro Malabar Rite in India.
(gulf-daily-news.com, 11th December 2005) This is his first visit to Bahrain and he experienced the greatest spirit of religious harmony, he said at a lunch held in his honour by the Syro Malabar Community in Bahrain.
Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty was the guest of honour at the lunch, at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. It was also attended by former Islamic Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Sacred Heart parish priest Father Thomas Quadros, former parish priest Father Felicio Diniz and Syro Malabar community leaders P P Chackunny, Varghese Karackal and M D Joseph spoke on the occasion.
Earlier the Cardinal was welcomed at the airport by officials from the Information Ministry, Sacred Heart Church officials, leaders of the Syro Malabar Community, and Syro Malankara Church group head Varghese Kurien.
The Cardinal recalled the ties that existed between St Thomas Christians and the Gulf states in the fourth century, when the liturgical services in Kerala were performed by bishops who came from Baghdad.
He stressed the need to set aside religious barriers in favour of caring for people.
"Love conquers all and love makes all things possible," said the Cardinal.
Mr Shetty said the 21st century offered a lot of opportunities as well as challenges. "During this time, it is the responsibility of not only politicians and diplomats but also religious and spiritual leaders to work on projects which would create better understanding between peoples," he noted.
"Religious leaders should support the dialogues of civilizations."
Shaikh Khalifa said it is important for Christians and Muslims, the propagators of two "holy messages", to work together for world peace.
"Bahrain's wise leadership is committed to continue its policy of granting freedom to people of all religions to practice their faith," he added.
The Cardinal led the Eucharistic celebration at Sacred Heart Church, followed by a reception at the church complex.
Religious harmony in Bahrain hailed