MLSD Minister: Bahrain supports all religions, following the approach of the King
27-12-2019
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received in his office at the Ministry the servant of the National Evangelical Church and president of the Al Bayarq Al Baydha Society (White Flags Society), Rev. Hani Aziz, accompanied by 13 priests from the heads of churches established in the Kingdom of Bahrain, representing various Christian denominations of all nationalities, most notably the pastor of St. Christopher’s Church, Father Bill Schwartz, and the pastor of the Greek Orthodox Church, Father Saba Haidosian. At the outset, His Excellency welcomed the attendees and extended congratulations on the occasion of the celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ, affirming the provision of support and care to followers of the Christian faith, and to all followers of other religions who exercise their rights and celebrate their religious occasions, in faithful application of the lofty directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him. He underscored that Bahrain’s historic openness to religions has afforded all who coexist on its soil full freedom and peace to practise their beliefs and religious rituals, establishing the Kingdom as a model of tolerance; he further emphasised the Ministry’s keenness to facilitate any procedures and requirements to ensure their activities are conducted in Bahrain with ease and convenience. The meeting discussed the affairs of the churches hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, which are under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. Rev. Hani Aziz and the accompanying priests conveyed their thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, and to the esteemed Government for allocating land to build the Christian cathedral in Bahrain. They expressed appreciation for the care accorded to Christianity and for the genuine tolerance and distinguished coexistence among followers of all religions in the Kingdom, noting that there are approximately 19 churches registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, representing all Christian denominations. It was agreed to convene regular meetings between church leaders and the relevant Ministry officials to discuss developments and to facilitate their affairs on an ongoing basis, particularly as the Ministry implements projects and initiatives to enhance support for churches and places of worship, and to improve the level of assistance provided to them. Rev. Hani Aziz and the accompanying clergy expressed deep gratitude for the love, tolerance and goodwill they receive from the people of Bahrain, affirming the authenticity of this people and its wise leadership, and their inherent openness to diverse civilisations. They stressed that many Christians residing in neighbouring countries come to Bahrain to practise religious rituals in the spirit of tolerance and coexistence that the Kingdom enjoys, which demonstrates that Bahrain is a safe and healthy environment for Christianity and all religions, and a centre for coexistence and tolerance. They also noted the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support, and its unwavering efforts to facilitate procedures related to the registration of churches, thereby ensuring the practice of religious rituals with complete freedom.