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
British court rejects Ukrainian extradition for Church supporter
British court rejects Ukrainian extradition for Church supporter

A British court has rejected an extradition request by the Ukrainian government for a supporter of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

BBC ignorant of religion, says Archbishop of York
BBC ignorant of religion, says Archbishop of York

The BBC suffers from an “appalling lack of religious literacy”, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has said.

Iranian Bishop of Chelmsford denounces 'unjust and illegal' war
Iranian Bishop of Chelmsford denounces 'unjust and illegal' war

The Bishop of Chelmsford, who fled from Iran as a teenager, has denounced the US-Israeli attack on the country as “unjust and illegal”.

The calling of Christians in these solemn days
The calling of Christians in these solemn days

In such an hour, the church must neither panic nor grow silent. We are called to pray and to proclaim.