Amman, His Highness Prince El Hassan, President of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, Monday welcomed heads and representatives of the Eastern and Western Churches at the Coptic Orthodox Church on the occasion of Christmas and New Year.
He wished Jordanian Christians a happy Christmas, commending the role of the “Jordanian family” and Christian leaders, who canceled Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the families of fallen public security officers.
Religious holidays are a great opportunity to deepen coexistence among the people of the country, Prince El Hassan said, adding that turning religious holidays into national holidays promotes the role of religion in society and the spirit of solidarity.
His Highness hailed Arab Christian churches and institutions in strengthening the steadfastness of Jerusalemites and preserving the sanctities in the holy city in the face of systematic Judaization schemes, calling for “a contemporary theological position on the Palestinian cause.”
Prince El Hassan stressed the importance of activating ecumenical dialogue between Christian churches in the Arab world in order to meet and offer a model for unity, love, harmony, and building diversity and pluralism.
He also renewed a call for setting up an Arab-Islamic heritage fund to promote intellectual communication and common understanding.
Prince El Hassan engaged in a dialogue with the audience on the key issues, including respect of diversity and differences, management of Jerusalem religious landmarks and the principle of comprehensive citizenship for religious and cultural pluralism in Jordan and the East.
SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY