Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed the Bahrain Ambassador to the United States to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
This was the first official visit of His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa to Temple Square, following visits with Church leaders and Bahraini leaders in the Middle East.
The Apostle and His Excellency Al Khalifa discussed education, strengthening the family, and peace in Bahrain, an island country in the Persian Gulf.
“Guided by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain continues to promote initiatives that strengthen dialogue among civilizations, uphold freedom of religion and belief, and foster inclusive, harmonious societies grounded in human dignity,” said His Excellency Al Khalifa.
In November, Elder Bednar and his wife, Susan, met with His Excellency Mr. Ali Abdulla Al Aradi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, in Manama, Bahrain, to advance interfaith understanding and cooperation. The Church collaborates with the King Hamad Center for Coexistence and Tolerance on potential interfaith initiatives.
“The Kingdom’s initiatives further include the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration on freedom of religion and belief, international conferences dedicated to dialogue among civilizations, and global awards promoting tolerance and empowerment,” His Excellency Al Khalifa said. “Bahrain also continues to advocate internationally for stronger measures to combat hate speech and extremism, including proposals to advance global frameworks that safeguard religious freedom and social cohesion.”
In May 2024, Elder Anthony D. Perkins, President of the Middle East/Africa North Area of the Church, accompanied by his wife, Christine, visited Bahrain to meet with His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, chair of the Center’s Board of Trustees. During the meeting, they discussed common issues and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation at the regional and international levels.
The Kingdom of Bahrain underscores the importance of interfaith dialogue and coexistence in the region. Expatriates comprise over half of the country’s 1.5 million population.
Latter-day Saints have been working and living in Bahrain for over 50 years and have enjoyed the privilege of gathering and worshiping in Manama, the capital city. The first small congregation of Latter-day Saints was formed in the early 1970s. The Church also has a senior couple in Bahrain who support local Church members and leaders.
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