Prince Charles backs interfaith talks

PRINCE CHARLES got most publicity for taking part in a sword dance in Saudi Arabia but behind the scenes one of the most important aspects of his visit to the Middle East may have been the support he gave to improving interfaith relations.

He raised the plight of Christians during private talks in Saudi Arabia and Qatar and in the latter he visited churches that have been allowed to open there.

In the Qatar capital of Doha Prince Charles took part in a discussion on Christian-Muslim relations. His participation was praised by a number of scholars.

Dr Mark Farha of the Georgetown School of Foreign Serv- ice in Doha praised the Prince for his ‘principled stance’ on the threat of extinction facing Christians in the Middle East.

“Intolerance is intolerance wherever it happens and he plays an important role as a true bridge-builder that also recognises the political problems in this region of the world, especially Syria,” Dr Farha said.

On Monday the Prince visited the Doha religious complex of churches expatriates may attend. There are Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches there but no national from Qatar can attend them.

He also took part in a discussion with clergy and religious leaders about their experience of working in the region.