AMMAN — The Catholic Centre for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan, in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung on Monday held an international conference titled, "Christians in Jordan and the Middle East: Defining a Role Amidst Domestic Reforms and Regional Conflicts."
At the opening ceremony, attended by former deputy prime minister Rajai Muasher, CCSM Director Father Rifat Bader noted that this meeting complements a series of conferences and initiatives that started in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in 2015 in Como, Italy, on Arab Christianity
He said that the initiative was then extended to Berlin in 2016, discussing what Christians expect from the Western world, and then in Amman in 2023 on the reality and future of Christians in the East, according to a CCSM statement.
He pointed out that the conference aims to highlight the success of the Jordanian experience in respecting all religious components, and emphasises that the Christian presence in the Jordanian society is an honourable, pioneering, remarkable, effective, vibrant, and fruitful in various political, economic, social, cultural, and religious fields.
He added that the conference also seeks to encourage people of Syria and Iraq to resort to religion so as to remain a factor of love and peace, rather than a factor of schism and conflict.
Bader also stressed the importance of continuing peace efforts with the Gaza agreement serving as a step towards a lasting, comprehensive, and just peace, especially for the Palestinian people who yearn for freedom and independence.
He also commended the role played by His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, as well as all those who contribute to building peace in Palestine and the world.