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
250 doctors and nurses in Wales urge Senedd to vote against assisted suicide
250 doctors and nurses in Wales urge Senedd to vote against assisted suicide

While the Welsh Parliament cannot stop the bill, they may be able to make Westminster think twice.

Coalition of 13 aid agencies urge UK action as Sudan war reaches 1,000-day mark
Coalition of 13 aid agencies urge UK action as Sudan war reaches 1,000-day mark

Humanitarian organisations have renewed calls for urgent UK government intervention as the conflict in Sudan passes 1,000 days, warning that the country is now facing the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.

Fulani herdsmen kill 13 Christians in central Nigeria
Fulani herdsmen kill 13 Christians in central Nigeria

Fulani herdsmen arrived at midnight on Monday and shot four Christians who had been asleep in their homes.

Franklin Graham asks for prayers for US amid ICE tensions
Franklin Graham asks for prayers for US amid ICE tensions

The Rev Franklin Graham is calling on Americans to join him in a “time of prayer and repentance” this week, warning that “our nation is in trouble” amid a volatile political climate.