Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, attended the celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the Church of Philadelphia in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was attended by Ali Abdulla Al Aradi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Board Members Ibrahim Dawood Nonoo, Dr. Majid Mohsen Al Asfoor, Dr. Alsadig Omer Khalafallah, and Shaikh Salah Yousif Al Jowder. Several church leaders and religious and community figures were also present.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted that Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and guided by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has established a model of religious and cultural coexistence, respect for freedom of religion and belief, and protection of human dignity.
He expressed pride in the strong ties between the Center and various religious institutions, which are seen as partners in promoting community stability, social harmony, and human coexistence. He praised the Church’s role since its inception forty years ago in enhancing religious and ethical values and serving the community through compassion, cooperation, and constructive engagement.
The Chairman extended congratulations to the Church’s leadership and members, emphasizing that Bahrain will continue to be an inclusive homeland embracing all its people within a framework of respect and fraternity, reflecting its historical identity and traditions of peaceful coexistence.
Reverend Jacob Chandy, President of the Church of Philadelphia, expressed appreciation to Bahrain for fostering an environment that promotes tolerance, diversity, and respect for freedom of belief. He commended the Center’s role in supporting religious institutions and advancing human fraternity in a society marked by harmony, mutual respect, and coexistence among various religions, cultures, and nationalities.