Muslims, Christians in Jordan are one family, King says

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday met with Christian clergymen and leaders at Al Husseiniya Palace on the occasions of Christmas and New Year, according to a Royal Court statement. 

King Abdullah said the occasions embody the values of tolerance and love among followers of different religions, noting that Christians are an integral part of the Kingdom’s social fabric. 

Muslims and Christians in Jordan are one family, working together in the country’s national interest, towards prosperity and progress, the King added.

“We must work together to protect the future of our young generations in the face of the various challenges we are facing,” he said.

The stability of the Kingdom hinges on national unity and respect for the rule of law, His Majesty said, stressing that Jordan will continue its historical and religious role as custodian of holy sites in Jerusalem and protector of the city’s Arab identity.

Turning to the Syrian crisis, the King said it is hurtful that another year ends while bloodshed and killing of innocent Syrians continue, noting that the crisis has to be resolved.

With 2017 around the corner, the crisis in Syria is now an international responsibility, he added.

Moreover, King Abdullah touched on the conditions in Iraq and referred to last week’s terrorist blast at a cathedral in Egypt. 

For their part, the clergymen voiced appreciation of Jordan as a role model in the world for coexistence. 

Orthodox Church Patriarch Theophilos III said Christmas is especially important for those living in the Diaspora, since their hearts go to their countries as they wish to be rid from the wars and violence, commending Jordan’s role in hosting the refugees and taking care of them. 

Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Pierre Batista Pizzaballa thanked Jordan for receiving hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria and Iraq, noting that the Kingdom will remain an oasis of stability and safety.

He also commended Jordan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and murders committed in the name of religion. 

For his part, Jerusalem’s Coptic Bishop Anba Antonious thanked His Majesty for his solidarity with Egypt after the recent terrorist attack. 

Munib A. Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and president of the Evangelical family, thanked the Kingdom for hosting the Middle East Churches Council meetig, which he said indicates His Majesty’s stance towards boosting Christian Arab presence. 

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Hussein and Prince Ghazi, the King’s personal envoy and religious affairs adviser, attended the meeting.