.jpg)
MidnightCall Magazine
.jpg)
News From Israel MagazinePope Invited to Visit Muslim Country
King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain, a small Islamic nation in the Persian Gulf, invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit his country during his recent visit with the pope at Castel Gandolfo.
“In the course of the discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, the Vatican authorities had the opportunity to thank the king for the welcome he has shown to many Christian immigrants,” the Vatican said in a statement.
The meeting emphasized the importance of “intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, and to the importance of collaboration between Christians, Muslims and Jews for the promotion – in the Middle East and throughout the world – of peace, justice and spiritual and moral values.”
The island nation has a population of about 760,000, about 290,000 of which are foreigners. Although the country is mostly Islamic, King Hamad said he is proud of the religious diversity of his country.
“Bahrain is proud of its 1,000 Bahraini Christian citizens, who are well-integrated in public life,” the king said after his meeting, “Many of them are even holding high positions, including in the legislature.”
The king said that his talk with Pope Benedict XVI focused on increasing religious dialogue in his country and between nations.
“We stressed the importance of promoting bilateral co-operation and building bridges of tolerance, moderation and peace,” he said. “Bahrain hosts the Sacred Heart Church, the oldest Catholic church in the Gulf, as it dates back to 1940.”
The king also said he thought the Vatican holds an important role in promoting international peace.
“Such lofty values would only preserve international security and stability and enable all nations to live in a peace-loving world,” he said.
-The Bulletin, 4 July 2008, pg. 8
Here we see the old Roman political, religious philosophy at work – unity at any cost. The melting of religion with politics has been practiced for millenniums, but the last few decades have seen the direct political involvement of religions. What is the goal? To “preserve international security and stability and enable all nations to live in a peace-loving world.” That is what man wants, and that is what he gets, but we need to emphasize here, this development is outside the Prince of Peace. It will not be lasting.
(3347)