Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – Charles III, the King of the United Kingdom, concluded his visit to Kenya by meeting with religious leaders from different faiths. The monarch, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, embarked on a rainy Friday morning visit to the East Africa region’s oldest mosque and the Anglican cathedral of Mombasa.
The purpose of the meeting was to engage in interfaith dialogue and foster a spirit of unity and understanding among the diverse religious communities in Kenya. Leaders from the Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and African Traditional religions were present, representing their respective faiths and engaging in discussions with the royal couple.
At the mosque, Sheikh Abdullahi Salim, the imam, warmly welcomed the King and Queen, expressing his gratitude for their visit and their commitment to promoting peace and harmony among different religious communities. He emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in combating extremism and fostering a sense of common humanity.
Similarly, at the Anglican cathedral, the Archbishop of Mombasa, Reverend Julius Kalu, spoke about the significance of the royal visit. “We are honored to have His Majesty join us today. His presence is a symbol of unity and solidarity, reminding us that despite our differences, we can come together for the greater good,” he said.
During the discussions, the religious leaders highlighted the challenges they face in their communities, such as poverty, social inequality, and religious intolerance. They also exchanged ideas on how to promote tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence among their followers.
The King commended the religious leaders for their efforts in fostering unity and urged them to continue their important work. In a statement, he said, “I have been deeply moved by the discussions we have had today. It is heartening to see leaders from different faiths coming together to promote understanding and harmony. I believe that through dialogue and mutual respect, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter future for all.”
The visit of the King and Queen has been seen as a significant step in strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and Kenya. It also serves as a reminder of the important role religious leaders play in promoting peace and social cohesion.
As the royal visit comes to an end, the conversations and connections made during these meetings will hopefully continue to inspire greater tolerance and understanding among the diverse religious communities in Kenya.
