Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby talks religious freedom with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – and gives him a dressing down over Yemen
SAUDI Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby yesterday.
He gave a “strong commitment” to promote different faiths in his kingdom, where it is illegal for Christians to pray in public.
“The Crown Prince made a strong commitment to promote the flourishing of those of different faith traditions, and to interfaith dialogue within the Kingdom and beyond,” a statement from Lambeth Palace said.
“The Archbishop shared his concern about limits placed on Christian worship in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highlighted the importance for leaders of all faiths to support freedom of religion or belief.”
Welby also “voiced his distress” at the humanitarian situation in Yemen. A Saudi-led coalition is fighting a war in Yemen which has killed 10,000 people and 8.3 million people now rely on food aid.
Prince Mohammed is making an official visit to London to promote Saudi Arabia as a tolerant, modern economy and build on his country's relationship with Britain.
He also had meetings with finance minister Philip Hammond, bankers and lawmakers, and was due to dine with Prime Minister Theresa May at her country residence.
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