King’s Call for Peace Lauded by Christian Leaders

Bahrain – Bahrain’s contributions to world peace and unity has been praised by several Christians, including a visiting Indian bishop.

His Majesty King Hamad's call for peace and unity at the recent opening of the GCC Summit in Bahrain won international attention, said Metropolitan of the Bombay Diocese of Indian Orthodox Church, the Most Rev Geevarghese Mar Coorilos.

The bishop, who was in Washington DC, recently, to attend an international inter–religious council meeting, said peace in the Middle East was a focus of the meeting.

"The Gulf leaders' summit, held in the backdrop of growing threat to peace in the region, was extremely important," said Mar Coorilos, who is a founding member of the International Inter–Religious Council for Supporting the United Nations.

"The King's call for peace and unity in the region came when the Washington meeting was discussing these two vital issues."

"Some of our council members will be visiting the war–ravaged and violence–hit countries of the Middle East as ambassadors of peace and His Majesty's call will serve as a motivating factor for our mission."

There is a growing consensus among world leaders for unity, mutual respect and acceptance, said Mar Coorilos, who is a former president of the National Council of Churches in India.

He described His Majesty's call as a "spirit–led thought" and said it was extremely relevant at a time when the world is preparing to celebrate Christmas, which is a festival of peace.

The bishop was in Bahrain to lead the Christmas celebrations of the St Mary's Orthodox Church.