August 30, 2005

AMMAN, Jordan/GENEVA – The role of faith communities in promoting a culture of non-violence, respect for all religions and peaceful co-existence was one of the major issues discussed during meetings between leaders of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and representatives of the Jordanian government in Amman.

At a meeting with Jordanian Prime Minister Adnan Badran, LWF President Bishop Mark S. Hanson, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko and LWF Vice-President for the Asian region, Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan commended Jordan's contribution to the Middle East peace process, especially its support for inter-religious dialogue and far-reaching efforts to promote a culture of non-violence in resolving conflict. The meeting with Badran who is also Minister of Defence was also attended by Foreign Minister Farouq Qasrawi.

Hanson led the LWF delegation to Jordan August 26-29, ahead of this year's meeting of the LWF Council that begins in Jerusalem today.

During separate meetings with the king's personal envoy Prince Ghazi, and advisor, Mr Akel Biltaji, the significance of religious education in early schooling was discussed. Jordan, the LWF delegation learned, is involving students in education projects that promote religious tolerance. The LWF leaders also commended Jordan's role as the custodian of holy sites in the Holy Land.

The representatives of the Jordanian government and king commended the LWF for its support to Palestinian refugees over several decades especially through humanitarian relief work. They also expressed willingness to work with the ELCJHL and LWF on joint efforts to promote practical religious co-existence.

During the three-day stay in Jordan, the LWF delegation also visited Mt Nebo, described in the Bible as the place where Moses the prophet saw the "promised land," and is believed to have died at or near the mountain.

Hanson preached at a eucharistic worship service at the ELCJHL Good Shepherd Church in Amman. In his sermon based on Mark 1: 40-45, he reminded Christians of the call to stand in solidarity with all of those who suffer in the world. Rev. Samer Azar, the congregation's pastor presided over the worship.

Lutheran World Information