Amman, Oct. 13 (Petra) – Participants in an international conference held in Amman on Monday underscored the important role of Christians in Jordan and the Middle East in fostering the values of citizenship and peaceful coexistence amid current regional challenges, highlighting the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II in advancing just and lasting peace, particularly regarding the Palestinian cause.

The conference, titled "Christians in Jordan and the Middle East: Defining a Role Amidst Domestic Reforms and Regional Conflicts," was organized by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, under the patronage of former Deputy Prime Minister Rajai Muasher.

CCSM Director Father Rif’at Bader said the event continues a series of joint meetings with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation that began in 2015 in Italy, aimed at highlighting the presence and constructive role of Arab Christians in the region.

He referred to the Jordanian model as a notable example of respect for religious diversity, noting that Christians in Jordan play an active and productive role across all sectors. Father Bader called for maintaining religion as a message of love and peace, praising His Majesty King Abdullah and Crown Prince Al Hussein for their continued efforts to promote just peace, particularly concerning Palestine.

Edmund Ratka, resident representative of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Jordan, expressed pride in participating in the organization of the conference, which coincides with the conclusion of his five-year tenure in Jordan. He said the foundation strives to build bridges of dialogue in a time of growing divisions.

Ratka praised His Majesty the King, describing him as a "voice of peace in the region and the world," and commended the contributions of Arab Christians to humanity.

Archimandrite Venedictus Kayyal on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Christoforos Atallah, leader of the Orthodox Church in Jordan said the conference comes at a time when Arab societies are seeking to strengthen the principles of citizenship, justice, and equality. He called for reinforcing ties between Christians in the East and their counterparts around the world to bolster solidarity and coexistence.

The first session, titled "Christians in Jordan: A Model for Coexistence, National Unity, and Conclusive Citizenship," featured Christine Faddoul, judge of appeal at the Greek Orthodox Ecclesiastical Court in Amman, and Oraib Rantawi, founder and director of Al-Quds Center for Political Studies and was moderated by journalist Rana Sweis.

During the session, Muasher emphasized that Arab Christians participated in the founding of Arab and Islamic civilization, defending Arab identity and contributing to the modern renaissance. He stressed that the destiny of Christians is intertwined with that of their Muslim brethren within the framework of shared Arab identity.

He also referred to His Majesty King Abdullah II's vision with regard to consolidating the principles of true citizenship, as outlined in the "Amman Message" and the Royal Discussion Papers.

Muasher underscored the importance of Arab Christians in revitalizing Islamic-Christian partnership and reviving the Arab enlightenment heritage that they helped shape.

Later sessions featured contributions from religious leaders and academics from Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, who discussed issues of citizenship, faith, and interfaith dialogue.

//Petra// AF