King patronizes World Interfaith Harmony Week prize ceremony
17-04-2016 10:55 PM
Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah Sunday patronized the annual award ceremony of the King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize, which seeks to spread awareness and understanding among religious dialogue groups via holding various international activities and events.
The King presented medals and diplomas to winners of the prize, which emanates from the World Interfaith Harmony Week Initiative His Majesty launched at the 65th session of the United Nations' General Assembly, and had been unanimously adopted by the world body in Oct., 2010.
In an address to the ceremony, HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammed, Senior Advisor to the King for religious affairs, cultural and personal envoy, noted that it was the sixth year the prize had been awarded as the World Interfaith Harmony Week had spread throughout the world upon King Abdullah's initiative.
Citing verses from the Quran, he said Islam calls for charity, benevolence and kindness to all mankind.
The first place winner was pastor Rev. Pr. Laurent Cleenewerck of Saint Innocent Orthodox Church in Eureka, while first prize went to Euclid University in Gambia, second prize was awarded to the Uni-Harmony Partners Manila, and the third to Interfaith Harmony Halifax in Canada.
The ceremony was attended by the Royal Court Chief and other officials as well as a number of Muslim scholars and Christian clergymen.