Amman, Oct. 29 (Petra) -- A two-day conference examining the role of Christians in shaping the Middle East's future opened in Amman on Thursday, focusing on political, social, and economic challenges, religious coexistence, and inclusive citizenship.
The conference, titled "Christians of the East: Partners in Building the Future," is organized by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Opening the event on behalf of Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin highlighted Jordan's experience of Muslim-Christian coexistence and emphasized the importance of protecting religious and cultural diversity.
Hijazin said Jordan continues to promote interfaith dialogue and safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites, including the UNESCO-listed Baptism Site of Jesus Christ at Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
He also discussed preparations to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus Christ's baptism in 2030, describing the occasion as an opportunity to develop religious tourism, strengthen international partnerships, and support local communities.
Father Rifaat Bader, director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media, emphasized the importance of Muslim-Christian cooperation in addressing extremism and maintaining social stability.
He also called for greater recognition of Christians' contributions to Middle Eastern societies and their future development, while simultaneously defending the true image of Islam. He noted the points stressed by His Majesty the King in international forums concerning the protection of the Christian presence in its original homeland and the countering of the distorted image of Islam.
German Ambassador Bertram von Moltke praised the solidarity shown by Jordanians following the terrorist attack on a church in the Hamoud area of Karak Governorate, citing it as an example of social cohesion.
Thomas Rachel, Germany's Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief and a member of parliament, reaffirmed Germany's solidarity with Jordan and warned against allowing hatred and extremism to undermine trust between religious communities.
Rachel also highlighted Jordan's role in regional diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, and the protection of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
The conference addresses Christian unity, sectarian divisions, migration, and the challenges facing Christian communities across the Middle East.
Discussions also focus on maintaining connections between diaspora communities and their countries of origin, encouraging younger generations to remain engaged with their communities, and strengthening Muslim-Christian cooperation through shared citizenship, development, and social inclusion.
//Petra// AO
