Jordan prince discusses Christians defense with heads of country’s Churches
In Amman, participants discussed the situation of Christians, freedom of religion, and the preservation of Jerusalem’s holy sites amid heightened regional tensions.
A meeting was held in Jordan between Prince El Hassan bin Talal and heads and representatives of the country’s Christian Churches and communities, timed to the Christmas and New Year season, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.
The meeting took place at the Presentation of the Lord Cathedral in Amman. Those present included Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis, representatives of Jordan’s religious communities, and former government ministers. During the discussion, the participants addressed the situation of Christians and interreligious coexistence in the region.
Speaking to those gathered, Prince El Hassan bin Talal noted that the current period remains difficult in light of the ongoing suffering of residents of the Gaza Strip. At the same time, he emphasized Jerusalem’s special place in the hearts and minds of believers. He said that the foundations of faith are human solidarity and mutual support, and that freedom of religion and equal civil rights are the bedrock of a modern society.
Special attention was also given to the Hashemite Kingdom’s role as custodian of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites. The prince recalled Jordan’s involvement in preserving the status of Jerusalem’s Old City on UNESCO world heritage lists and underscored the country’s historical responsibility to protect the holy places.
In conclusion, the participants stressed the importance of safeguarding Jerusalem’s cultural, religious, and social heritage, as well as the need to work with young people – to increase their awareness of history and shared identity, and to form a sense of responsibility for the common heritage of humanity.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Christians in the Holy Land are asking Israel to save Gaza children suffering from cancer.
