Bahrain commended for meaningful, constructive dialogue across faiths

By Noreen Al Thawadi Manama, Nov. 4 (BNA): Bahrain must be commended for its long-standing engagement in convening fora for meaningful and constructive dialogue across different faith traditions, said Bani Dugal Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community (BIC) to the United Nations. In an interview with Bahrain News Agency (BNA) during her first visit to Bahrain, she said that the kingdom’s efforts have demonstrated a recognition of the imperative need to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue as a vital and necessary element contributing to peace and well-being. Dugal is participating in the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue "East and West for Human Coexistence" held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, coinciding with the historic official visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Kingdom of Bahrain at the invitation of HM the King. She said Bahrain should be turned as an example for its steps to strengthen bonds of reciprocity, solidarity, and genuine affection and collaboration among diverse populations. This was part of an ongoing process within the nation and its intentional cultivation of environments conducive to open and meaningful dialogue founded on an appreciation of humanity’s oneness and a search for constructive solutions. She described the convening of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as a significant and commendable moment in history. "It is a privilege to be able to engage in such a meritorious contribution to building a world where the common values of all humankind are recognized and drawn upon," she said. "That this coincides with the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, both leading figures in building bridges of peaceful coexistence and active promoters of human fraternity as a condition for world peace, is indeed an honor." She commended the presence and continued engagement of these leading religious figures. Such efforts are commendable and should be praised for their recognition that a flourishing world founded on justice and prosperity cannot be built by one group alone, she added. Dugal said Bahrain’s efforts have been noteworthy in bringing together diverse religious and faith traditions, including prominent religious figures, thought leaders, and media experts from around the globe in pursuit of new approaches that could match this stage of humanity’s evolution toward its collective maturity, as part of one shared global reality. She also recognised the work of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence led by Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and its role in supporting education and promoting tolerance in society. Jalal Khalil, the coordinator of the Office of Relations of the Baha’is of Bahrain, said the Kingdom’s commitment to religious coexistence has created conditions that have enabled the Baha’i community to work actively alongside their fellow compatriots in society to contribute to the nation’s well-being based on an acknowledgement of humanity’s oneness. "It has recognized the community’s dedication and efforts to promote cohesion in society, to engage in dialogue on matters related to coexistence, and to devise approaches, shoulder to shoulder with their countrymen, to integrate noble ideals into the life of society" he said as he highlighted the integration of the Baha’i community in Bahrain,. Dugal added: "The establishment of a Baha’i Center of Worship in the Kingdom of Bahrain, open to all members of society to come together in worship, to create opportunities for religious coexistence tied to action for the betterment of society represents an extension of the efforts of the Baha’i community already underway." "The existence of such a place of worship is connected to the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain and a recognition that religion should be the cause of love and unity among all peoples," she said. "Indeed, it represents an opportunity for the Kingdom to be at the forefront of efforts to promote solidarity and coexistence in the region and will serve as a profound source of inspiration across the globe." On the role of The Baha’i International Community (BIC), Dugal said it represents the worldwide Baha’i community, whose members come from every national, ethnic, religious, cultural, and socio-economic background, representing a cross-section of humanity. The BIC collaborates with the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as member states, inter- and non-governmental organizations, academia, and practitioners to promote ideas founded on an appreciation of humanity’s oneness, in all its diversity. Dugal combines three areas of expertise: religious representation, human and women rights, law, in addition to academic interest in the environment. Commenting on how those interrelate in her line of work, she said the Baha’i teachings describe that freedom from prejudice, whether on the basis of religion or gender, is one of the prerequisites for peace. "The state of humanity’s relationship with the natural world is also a reflection of the imbalance in societal interactions, with incomplete and overly materialistic notions of progress driving consumption and development," she said. "The root causes at the heart of all of these challenges are common, that humanity is in need of a new set of essential relationships in the manner individuals interact with each other and with the environment as well as in the way in which the institutions of society give voice to higher ideals representative of humanity’s shared values."