Freedom of Religion

Religion is a sensitive subject for much of the world.  Some go so far as putting faith into a "taboo" category, not talking about it with anyone.  Others "wear their beliefs on their sleeves."  Whatever group you may fall in, both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America give right of worship to the people.
In Article 22 of the Bahraini Constitution, freedom of religion is addressed.  Bahrain has declared that the national religion is Islam, however, this does not limit those of other faiths or force them into a religion they do not believe or wish to follow.  Bahrain does not have a history of forced conversion.    while the strong majority of the people are of some branch of Islam, Bahrain is home to Christians, just as it is home to Jews, just as it is home to Muslims.  Each religious group must have a permit to exist and function, but permits are not denied.  In fact, there are no records of permits ever being denied.
The United States is a country that was founded on fundamental beliefs, one of which was the freedom of religion.  The Constitution of the country states that there will be no national religion, and no law that would impede freedom of religion for any group or any singular person.  Religious tolerance has been a general characteristic of the US since its founding.

This is not to say that each country has been perfectly accepting of all beliefs of all people.  But it is to say that they respect all people, and the strong majority of the citizens of the country show that respect through tolerance and acceptance.
Why is freedom of religion so important to the relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States?  Quite simply, religion cultivates, shapes, and transforms cultures.  It has the power and influence to not only define and guide routine and action, but it can become a way of life.  If true harmony is to exist, and true friendship be established, we must not only be tolerate, but accepting of the beliefs of others.  This does not mean we have to agree on what is taught, but we must accept that someone may believe differently than another, and show compassion for that difference.  If people are to live together in peace and help each other, they must understand each other on the basic levels of humanity and spirituality.  We must accept each other for who we are and what we believe.

The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States is a good example of how differences of religion need not interfere, but can be celebrated.  Bahrain is home to Christians, which is predominantly a Western religion.  In the like manner, the US is home to Muslims, most of them originating from the East.  For the most part, they live and interact in peace.  This allows us to get to know eachother, become friends, and happily co exist.  It is no coincidence that two countries, each with a declaration of freedom of religion, have been able to establish not only friendly relationships, but have been able to help each other on so many other levels.  This basic understanding of someone's way life as defined by their religious convictions is the foundational building block upon which everything else is built.

To be able to understand the beliefs of someone, and appreciate their individual right to believe, doors of friendship open.  Whatever your belief, let us all continue to believe that each has a human right to worship and believe is they feel, and respect, honor, and celebrate that belief.  That is the only way to ensure continued peace.