Muslims and Christians unite under Christmas tree on site of Jesus' baptism

Jordan is celebrating Christmas and the peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims there by lighting up a 12-metre tree at the site popularly believed to be the location of Jesus' baptism.

The celebration, held on Sunday at a Lutheran church which stands on the baptism site on the Jordan River, focused on sending a message of peace and involved a performance by the Jordanian police band.

The event was hosted by the president of the Lutheran World Federation in Shouneh, who said: "It is a national day when we are lighting this tree to tell the world that living together Muslims and Christians is possible.

"Jordan has become a model and it is possible in Jordan, it can be possible all over the world."

News
JK Rowling says she has a 'God-shaped vacuum' inside her heart
JK Rowling says she has a 'God-shaped vacuum' inside her heart

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has opened up about her religious beliefs and acknowledged that she has a "God-shaped vacuum" in her heart that she could take to the grave.

Opponents of assisted suicide still hopeful it will be rejected by the House of Lords
Opponents of assisted suicide still hopeful it will be rejected by the House of Lords

The government itself is split on the controversial issue.

Anglican Communion entering a 'crucial' period, says Gafcon leader ahead of Nigeria meeting
Anglican Communion entering a 'crucial' period, says Gafcon leader ahead of Nigeria meeting

Orthodox Anglicans are being invited to Abuja in Nigeria for the next Gafcon conference.

Multiple sexual partners a turn off for men and women, study finds
Multiple sexual partners a turn off for men and women, study finds

More important than the raw number of previous partners was the full picture of an individual's sexual history.