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Bishop Lahham: Jordan, led by King Abdullah- plays a leading role in interfaith dialogue

في مايو 11, 2014

The Catholic Center for Studies and Media has carried out an exclusive interview with Bishop Maroun Lahham, Latin patriarchal vicar for Jordan, during which he reviewed the leading role His Majesty King Abdullah plays in supporting interfaith dialogue and in creating a suitable environment to deepen the Christian-Islamic brotherhood that ultimately aims at promoting harmony in the Jordanian society. He pointed out that the Pope”s visit will be positively reflected on the unity of the Christian Church as it emphasizes the security which Jordan enjoys in spite of the instability plaguing the region.

Following is a report on the interview:

Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan Archbishop Maroun Lahham said that Jordan, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, plays a leading role in interfaith dialogue which is represented in supporting the brotherly Christian-Islamic relations and is revealed in the Amman Message thus reflecting Jordan’s reality. He added that Jordan is enriched through dialogue and we Christians live, work with our Muslim brothers and enjoy mutual respect. Our mutual relations are solid and stable as they constitute a model–to be emulated by communities that suffer from sectarianism– which is attributed to the Hashemites and their noble initiatives.

He added that the Catholic Church has undertaken assiduous preparations to receive Pope Francis in coordination with the official Jordanian authorities and the various Christian churches. He pointed out that the hymns to be recited during the visit will represent all the rituals followed by the various Churches as a reflection of harmony.

Referring to requests made by Muslims to attend the Mass to be celebrated by the Pope at the Amman International Stadium, Bishop Lahham said that many Muslims are earnestly asking for tickets which strongly reflects the peaceful coexistence experienced by the people of the homeland as Jordan represents moderate Islam, and Muslims’ insistence to attend Mass is strongly welcome.

He said that the Pope”s visit to the Holy Land is a continuation of the Catholic-Orthodox dialogue which began 50 years ago, and it is hoped that this will lead to the unity of the Church, as there is firm determination to bring this objective into reality. He added that Pope Francis’ confluence with Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew will constitute a step toward Christian unity, as Jesus said: “They may be one.”

On the Christians in Jordan, he said that Christians make up 3-4 per cent of the population. He continued that Christians are Christians regardless of their affiliation with any Church as there are inter-marriages among Christians of various denominations.

Bishop Lahham pointed out that the Pope’s visit to Jordan is testimony of the security and stability Jordan enjoys despite the turbulences in the area. Stressing that Jordan is an integral part of the Holy Land, he said that in the aftermath of Jesus’ baptism on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, the Christian message was disseminated from there that is why Jordan is part of the Holy land.

He concluded by addressing the Muslims by saying: “We and you are united in receiving Pope Francis.