Ambassador Nonoo Hosts Interfaith Iftar At Embassy Of Bahrain

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Emphasizing the role religious freedom plays in the life of Bahrain, the Kingdom's Ambassador to the United States Houda Nonoo, hosted a special interfaith Iftar on Monday at the Embassy in Washington. Guests included members of Washington, D.C.'s academic, political, NGO, and business sectors, as well as individuals from various religious communities.

The dinner was preceded by a panel discussion featuring His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop-emeritus of Washington, DC. He was joined by distinguished panelists Chris Seiple, President at the Institute for Global Engagement, and Kyle Ballard, from the Office of International Religious Freedom at the US Department of State. The discussion was moderated by Joseph K. Grieboski, of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Nonoo highlighted the importance of religious pluralism in Bahrain, and discussed the progress of important political reforms taking place in the country. She emphasized that constructive dialogue can take place when all interested parties join the table, first and foremost, as Bahrainis.

"During many of my public appearances, I emphasize the need for a comprehensive, multi-lateral, inclusive dialogue without preconditions to address Bahrain's internal disagreements," Ambassador Nonoo said on her blog. "Events like this offer the opportunity a compelling example of how honest dialogue can contribute to further understanding and reconciliation." 

The panel's participants praised the Ambassador's candor and openness in addressing Bahrain's successful progress and remaining challenges. It was also reiterated that in order for reconciliation to be possible in any situation involving diverging views on religion, politics, or any other sphere, dialogue is necessary to establish rapport and foster cross-cultural relationships.

SOURCE Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain