Religious tolerance in Bahrain praised

Manama, June 20 (BNA): Representatives of different religions and faiths in Bahrain commended religious freedom in the kingdom and denounced violence committed in the name of religion as well as all forms of sectarianism, hostility, exclusion and discrimination. This came in a statement issues by the representatives of religions and faiths at the conclusion of a meeting which convened on the occasion of mid-Ramadan as part of a programme on religious alliance that was launched by the International Institute for Peace in the Middle East and North Africa under the theme "Fasting for the Sake of Peace". The statement reiterated rejection of all forms of violence committees in the name of religion, stressing respect of all religions to fasting and other religious rituals aimed at preventing sinful acts and promoting the principles of peace, solidarity and reciprocal respect. It also lauded all efforts made to eliminate peacefully all forms of incitement of hatred, discrimination and breach of religious freedom. It urged to shun violence as a means to settle differences and solve issues peacefully. Salah Al Jowder, an Imam of a mosque, affirmed that Bahrain has always been an oasis of religious co-existence. Meanwhile, Reverend Hani Aziz of Bahrain's National Evangelical Church said that Bahrain stand out in the world as a country that hosts all religions and doctrines. He also paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his keenness to promote religious tolerance and co-existence. Businessman and representative of the Jewish community in Bahrain Ibrahim Nunu underlined the need for understanding and religious tolerance to foster peace, pointing out Bahrain’s distinguished standing as a host of different religions.