Tea with Religious leaders: Thursday 16thJuly 2015

The U.S. Ambassador H. E. William Roebuck sent out an invitation for a 1pm tea to meet with religious leaders. As an Englishman, I wondered what this might be – it’s hard enough in England, though ‘tea’ would never be at 1pm –  but it was what it said (with cookies) and a small group representing the Roman Catholic, Hindu and Bahai and Anglican communities came together to meet him and to reflect a little on the opportunities and challenges of the faith communities in Bahrain. Without exception, we affirmed the support given by the Bahrain Royal Family and government for faith communities to worship and their support in many ways. I highlighted some of the challenges: notably re-registration and the lack of space in the Christian Cemetery. I also said that, though we are hugely grateful for the gracious spirit of acceptance of all faith communities in Bahrain, we would not want to lose a prophetic voice.