By JT – Mar 29,2018 – JORDAN TIMES
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of a number of Muslim and Christian dignitaries, in addition to Jordanian and foreign officials on Wednesday (Photo courtesy of abouna.org / Osama Toubasi)
AMMAN — The Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan on Wednesday held the first Christian-Islamic celebration of the Annunciation under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Jamal Sarayrah, a CCSM statement said.
In the presence of bishops and heads of Churches in Jordan, representatives of the Iftaa Department, of the Chief Islamic Justice Department, of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and of several Islamic associations, Sarayrah stated: “We meet today to take part in the celebration marking the Feast of the Annunciation… considering the common denominators between Islam and Christianity, and believing that our success will only be attained through the success of everyone despite their various cultural backgrounds and ideologies.”
The ceremony also witnessed the attendance of members of Parliament, ambassadors, foreign and local media, a Lebanese delegation representing “the Christian-Muslim Meeting Around Mary”, in addition to Christian and Muslim believers.
“Over the years, Jordan has been consolidating relations among citizens based of the common denominator among religions: humanity. We have launched several initiatives under the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah, which have been adopted worldwide as a basis for dialogue and brotherhood.”
In his opening address, CCSM director Rif’at Bader said: “Since His Majesty King Abdullah assumed his constitutional responsibilities, Christmas was marked as an official holiday for all citizens, and an annual meeting of the Jordanian united family has been conducted with His Majesty.” He also cited last year’s meeting at the Baptism Site which affirmed the Hashemite custodianship of the site.
“As we jointly celebrate Christmas, we are here today to set the foudation for a joint celebration of the Feast of Annunciation in order to have it added to the sublime Jordanian initiatives in the field of harmony,” Bader stated, adding that “the only allowed extremism is that relevant to love, brotherhood and altruism.”
He continued: “We have gathered today as one family to say that we support the establishment of new and distinguished relations between Muslims and Christians not only in our holy country, but throughout the world,” and stressed the centre’s support to the Amman Message, according to the statement .
For his part, Secretary General of Lebanon’s “Christian-Muslim Meeting around Mary” Naji Al-Khoury voiced his hope to see the Islamic-Christian celebration also become an annual national holiday in Lebanon, stressing that “this marks a new stage in Christian-Muslim relations, as well as a flourishing stage of lasting friendship between the Jordanian and Lebanese peoples”.
The ceremony included readings from the Bible and the Quran as well as religious hymns by the Spring of Choir and Al Falah Choir, the statement concluded.
SOURCE: http://jordantimes.com/news/local/muslims-christians-hold-joint-celebration-annunciation
Categories: Arab World, Asia, Jordan, Lebanon
I wonder why we only hear about ‘No Churches allowed in Saudi Arabia’, but we never hear about the excellent relationship between Muslims and Christians in Jordan ? Well, my driver, some of the time, was a Christian and I had many other Jordanian Christian staff (a Bahai too) while in Jordan. There was never any problem between the staff.
Once the Government of Jordan expelled some Evangelical Christian Missionaries/Priests. When I asked the Vatican Ambassador (at a diplomatic party I happen to meet him) what happened he explained that this action was taken on the request of the Christian Bishops. All established churches, Catholic and Orthodox, together wrote a letter to the Government requesting them to expel the Evangelicals. The Government complied with the Christian Churches request. Well, soon they were replaced by Americans, which the Jordan Government did not dare to expel.
Rafiq— you do not need to wonder- just look at the true fact on the ground.
Even in Jordan I never hear there is a Cristian who hold a high position in Goverment or military. Jordan protect non Islam, but treat them differently.
What else Saudi treat non Islam and Ahmadiyyah and Syiah badly.
Despite Iskam is a religion of justice for all, but in reality there is no justice in Muslim’s ruler. Even in themuslimtime. He treat me differently because I am not Ahmadiyyah with different view sometime my view is opposite.
This is my thought
All❤️
When will Somi stop complaining? I think every readers agrees that I have permitted him to express his views, again and again. Just sometimes it gets a bit boring …
Rafiq— it is natural people will get bored or feel annoyed because the opposite view. But people will be happy and interested if someone supporting his view. This is the true fact.
It is very cool if people will get different view of Islam instead of one view. Dont you agree that.
Most important thing is I never use a evil word here. I treat people lovely and respectly.
I love Ahmadiyya’s motto.
Love for all and hatred for none
All love ❤️
Not quite. We on the Editorial Board of The Muslim Times like when different views are expressed so that this can encourage comments and airing of different views. If everyone had the same opinion hardly any comments would result. Therefore, yes, again, I agree with you. Just let us try to avoid constant repetition of the same topic. People get bored.