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
No further action against Archbishop of York over handling of safeguarding complaint
No further action against Archbishop of York over handling of safeguarding complaint

The head of the Church of England's disciplinary process has said that the Archbishop of York has no case to answer over how he handled a safeguarding complaint. 

Catholic Church in Scotland supports bill to tackle demand for prostitution
Catholic Church in Scotland supports bill to tackle demand for prostitution

The bill proposes cracking down on demand rather than supply.

Armenian government accused of violating freedom of religion and speech after clergy arrests
Armenian government accused of violating freedom of religion and speech after clergy arrests

The Armenian government has accused clergymen of plotting violent revolution and advocating assassinations.

Lone Anglican church in Moscow suspends worship services
Lone Anglican church in Moscow suspends worship services

The only official Anglican congregation in Moscow, Russia, has suspended worship services amid a reported internal dispute over who controls the church.