Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs hails royal invitations to Al Azhar Imam, Pope Francis

Manama, Oct. 25 (BNA): The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) has praised HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's initiative to invite the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Professor Dr. Ahmed El Tayyib to visit Bahrain in November and participate in the "Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence". The Council highlighted the significance of Bahrain hosting the forum under the auspices of HM the King. Organized by the SCIA, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, the forum on November 3-4 is will be attended by several delegations and participants from Bahrain and abroad. At its session on Tuesday, the Council said that organizing the forum builds on Bahrain's keenness and strategic direction to build bridges of dialogue between leaders of religions, sects, thought, culture and media, in cooperation with Al Azhar, the Catholic Church, the Muslim Council of Elders, and international institutions concerned with dialogue, coexistence and tolerance. The Council also welcomed Bahrain's hosting the periodic meeting of the Council of Muslim Elders headed by the Grand Imam Shaikh of Al Azhar Al Sharif. The SCIA emphasized its full support and solidarity with the messages of the Muslim Council of Elders and its noble goals to promote peace within Muslim societies lessen the intensity of unrest and wars, avoid the elements of conflict, division and fragmentation. The SCIA also highlighted the MCE's efforts to unite the Islamic nation, and address threats to human values and the tolerant principles of Islam and the evils of sectarianism and violence. In this regard, the Council welcomed the visits by the Grand Imam Sheikh of Al-Azhar, the head of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness, the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church. It also welcomed the scholars, religious and spiritual leaders, ministers, officials, ambassadors, professors, academics and researchers from different countries to participate in the forum and the meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders. The Council expressed deep pride in the remarkable royal initiatives to support, advocate and strengthen peace, peaceful coexistence and civilized dialogue among religions, which have made Bahrain a global beacon for spreading the message of peace. The SCIA commended the keenness of the government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to implement the royal aspirations in consolidating the values of coexistence, tolerance and fraternity. The Council also reiterated its deep commitment - based on wise royal visions and directions - to confirm the spirit of authenticity and modernity, highlight the tolerant spirit and moderation of Islam, consolidate Islamic values and traditions, strengthen unity among Muslims, work to bring Islamic sects closer, and propose foundations and follow-up dialogue between Islam and other monotheistic religions.