Freitag, 29. Dezember 2017

2017: Our First Year in Review - Obama Foundation

2017: Our First Year in Review - Obama Foundation

Barack Obama im Interview mit Prinz Harry: Ein Seitenhieb gegen Trump? | STERN.de

Barack Obama im Interview mit Prinz Harry: Ein Seitenhieb gegen Trump? | STERN.de

Like father like son: Prince Charles lauds Harry for adopting globalist consensus on climate change -- Puppet Masters -- Sott.net

Like father like son: Prince Charles lauds Harry for adopting globalist consensus on climate change -- Puppet Masters -- Sott.net: https://www.sott.net/article/372475-Like-father-like-son-Prince-Charles-lauds-Harry-for-adopting-globalist-consensus-on-climate-change

Like father like son: Prince Charles lauds Harry for adopting globalist consensus on climate change -- Puppet Masters -- Sott.net

Like father like son: Prince Charles lauds Harry for adopting globalist consensus on climate change -- Puppet Masters -- Sott.net: https://www.sott.net/article/372475-Like-father-like-son-Prince-Charles-lauds-Harry-for-adopting-globalist-consensus-on-climate-change

BBC News: Prince Charles on climate change

BBC News: Prince Charles on climate change

Prince Harry interviews Barack Obama

Prince Harry interviews Obama

Freitag, 22. Dezember 2017

Medien berichten 2017 mehr über Kirche

Medien berichten 2017 mehr über Kirche

لقاء مع البابا فرنسيس ومباحثات مع الرئيس الفرنسي في ملخص نشاطات جلالة ال...

The weekly wrap up of His Majesty King Abdullah II key activities during the week of 17 – 21 December 2017 | Royal Hashemite Court

The weekly wrap up of His Majesty King Abdullah II key activities during the week of 17 – 21 December 2017 | Royal Hashemite Court

Mobilization of the Financial sector – UNEP

Patricia Espinosa's conversation with POLITICO

Translating the Paris Agreement into Climate Action One Planet Summit

Paris One Planet Summit to Galvanize Climate Finance for Developing Nations | UNFCCC

Paris One Planet Summit to Galvanize Climate Finance for Developing Nations | UNFCCC

Mittwoch, 20. Dezember 2017

Papst Franziskus - Die Reform der Vatikan-Medien

Papst Franziskus redet mit Jordaniens König Abdullah II über die Frage Jerusalem - Vatican News

Papst Franziskus redet mit Jordaniens König Abdullah II über die Frage Jerusalem - Vatican News









His Majesty King AbdullahII and President Emmanuel Macron deliver remark...

His Majesty King Abdullah II holds talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris | Royal Hashemite Court

His Majesty King Abdullah II holds talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris | Royal Hashemite Court






King holds talks with President Macron in Paris

19 December 2017

His Majesty King Abdullah and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday held talks that covered current regional developments, particularly those related to Jerusalem after the United States recognised the city as Israel’s capital.
At the expanded talks held at the Elysée Palace and attended by senior Jordanian and French officials, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultations on issues of mutual concern, and advancing economic, military, and security cooperation.
His Majesty thanked France for its economic support to Jordan to enable the Kingdom to implement its development plans and cope with the Syrian refugee burden.
Talks also addressed efforts to reach political solutions to various crises in the region as well as regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic strategy.
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Jordan’s Ambassador to France Makram M. Queisi attended the meeting from the Jordanian side, while Chief of the Military Staff of the President of the Republic Admiral Bernard Rogel and France’s Ambassador in Amman David Bertolotti were present on the French side.
In joint remarks to the press after the talks, His Majesty expressed appreciation for President Macron’s constructive role in the Middle East, stressing Jordan’s keenness to work with France in pursuit of regional and global security and stability.
The King said President Macron, through his leading role in the region, is bringing hope and common sense in the face of the various challenges, while maintaining close coordination with Jordan.
The partnership between Jordan and France, His Majesty continued, is moving in a strong direction, and the two countries are proud of their advanced military and security relations.
The King also thanked France for supporting Jordan as it takes on economic challenges, noting the two countries’ focus on cultural exchange as well.
His Majesty told the press that the discussions with President Macron focused on how to build a strong relationship between France and Jordan and how to deal with the latest pressing developments.
“Sir, you mentioned that the Palestinian cause remains the region’s most vital issue, and, as we are all aware, Jerusalem is key to resolving the challenges that we have ahead,” the King said.
“In this respect, obviously, the United States’ unilateral decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is against—from our point of view—international law; but we both agreed that there is no alternative to the two-state solution and that there is no solution without Jerusalem,” His Majesty affirmed.
“The issue of Jerusalem must be settled within the framework of a final status solution and a just peace agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis, based on the two-state solution,” the King stressed.
“This must allow Palestinians to establish their independent state, with East Jerusalem as the capital, living side by side with Israel,” His Majesty continued.
“Muslims’ and Christians’ rights to Jerusalem cannot be denied,” the King asserted.
Muslims and Christians have a shared history, and “this was clearly voiced by the Christian and Muslim leaders whom I met in Jordan two days ago, and also during my meeting earlier this morning with His Holiness Pope Francis”, His Majesty said.
“As the Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city, Jordan is truly committed to its religious and historical responsibilities towards Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif,” the King affirmed.
“And at this point, we all need to make sure that we work together,” His Majesty added, praising the ideas put forth by President Macron in order to reach a permanent solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
“We are ready to stand by the Palestinian people and President Abbas in support of their efforts with the international community to achieve peace,” the King noted.
His Majesty said talks with President Macron also covered the developments in Syria, where the fight against terrorist groups had been the priority, but now, after substantial progress on the ground, the next stage calls for further efforts to build on the Astana talks to reach a political solution that guarantees the stability, unity, and future of Syria.
“On behalf of Jordan, we are definitely going to stand by your side. We look forward to a lot of initiatives coming from France to be able to push us in the right direction,” the King added, voicing hope that these discussions will help make 2018 a better year.
In response to a question on the diplomatic course His Majesty is planning to pursue with President Macron on Jerusalem after meeting Christian church leaders from Jerusalem and Pope Francis, the King said “Jerusalem, at the end of the day, is the eternal capital for Christians as well as Muslims”.
Any Israeli attempts to changes facts on the ground in the holy city will have “a tremendous effect on the future of Muslims and Christians as we go forward”, His Majesty warned.
Noting that Arab Christians are the oldest Christian community in the world, the King affirmed that “Christianity, and Arab Christians in specific, have been part of our past, they are part of our present, and they must be part of our future”.
His Majesty asserted the importance of protecting Christians’ and Muslims’ rights to Jerusalem.
Whatever the discussions ahead, and while the United States prepares to propose a peace plan, the King stressed that Jerusalem “is a city that binds us all together, that brings all three monotheistic faiths together, and we can’t have any violations on the ground that jeopardise that issue”.
His Majesty added that the Christian leaders he met with this week “expressed their alarm at the American decision, which will affect their future, as well as ours”, noting that the question is “how do we save the [peace] process to be able to move forward in the proper direction, where Jerusalem is a beacon of hope, not a city that divides”.
The Jerusalem church leaders asked Jordan to plea on their behalf to the United Nations and international organisations, the King continued, “but, again, we have to keep in mind that the solution, at the end of the day, is how do we bring Palestinians and Israelis to the table to achieve the two-state solution”, which, in turn, would be a step forward to resolving the issue of the eternal city.
This is the challenge ahead for the coming few months, His Majesty said.
In response to a question on fears that Israel would not abide by the two-state solution, and by East Jerusalem being the capital for the Palestinians, the King said Arab and Muslim countries, at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Extraordinary Summit in Istanbul, gave the overriding message that “we have to give peace and hope a chance”.
“We’re in a process of waiting to hear what the [United States’] plan is, and where that takes us, so we will have to hope and pray that, actually, over the next two months, our American colleagues will articulate the next phase of this challenge, and, hopefully, to be able to build on that,” His Majesty added.
Instead of jumping to conclusions, all parties should come together to be able move forward towards peace, instead of frustration and suspicion, the King said.
For his part, President Macron welcomed His Majesty again to France after his first visit in June, adding that he plans to visit Jordan next year.
Expressing keenness to advance military cooperation, he said that at the economic level, France seeks to support Jordan’s development process, voicing hope that French companies will continue to invest in Jordan, especially in water and energy.
The discussions held at the Elysée Palace, President Macron said, also addressed the US decision on Jerusalem, as well as developments in Syria.
The issue of Jerusalem, he added, is essential for both countries, stressing the close coordination and cooperation between Jordan and France.
Jordan is the Custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and it is an essential partner for France on this issue, President Macron said.
Jordan has always been committed to restoring calm and stability, he added, praising His Majesty for bravely choosing peace.
President Macron stressed that Paris and Amman share the same views on the importance of preserving the status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem, and that the issue of the city cannot be separated from a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that guarantees a just and lasting peace, which is essential for the stability for the region.
Peace can only be brought about through negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, he said.
France can help facilitate negotiations but cannot take decisions on behalf of either party, he asserted, describing Jordan as a strategic partner in this respect.
Turning to the fight against terrorism, he said Jordan is an important member of the international coalition against Daesh, and an essential partner for France.
The two countries, President Macron said, support efforts to reach an inclusive political solution in Syria that guarantees its territorial integrity.
He also praised Jordan for hosting the Aqaba Meetings earlier this month with a focus on fighting terrorism in West Africa, which is a priority for France.
Responding to a question on whether France would propose a peace initiative at the United Nations for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the French president reaffirmed that Paris does not agree with the unilateral US decision on Jerusalem, which contravenes international law and historical realities.
However, he said France is waiting for the US to present its peace plan.
President Macron reiterated that his discussions with the King are very important, given the specific role of His Majesty as Custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites. 
France, he added, is committed to the stability of the region, and the two-state solution, with Jerusalem as a capital for both states, with fully recognised borders.
Paris will contribute to any useful solution, but now is not the time for a French initiative at the United Nations, the president said.
France needs to stay in touch with important regional partners like Jordan, Macron added, stressing that Paris understands Amman’s concerns.
Having met with the Israeli prime minister, President Macron said he will receive Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas this week because France wants to continue to talk to both parties, and only they will find a solution towards peace.
France is working in a spirit of constructive dialogue for peace, he concluded.

Dienstag, 19. Dezember 2017

His Majesty King Abdullah II delivers remarks to the press at Elysée Pal...

Watch: President Obama visits the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washingto...

Watch: President Obama visits the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washingto...

Watch President Obama visits the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washingto...

President Obama's Holiday Visit to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington - Obama Foundation

President Obama's Holiday Visit to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington - Obama Foundation

Papst sprach mit Jordaniens König über Jerusalem-Frage – Politik – Deutsch Türkisches Journal | DTJ ONLINE

Papst sprach mit Jordaniens König über Jerusalem-Frage – Politik – Deutsch Türkisches Journal | DTJ ONLINE

Papst sprach mit Jordaniens König über Jerusalem-Frage – Politik – Deutsch Türkisches Journal | DTJ ONLINE

Papst sprach mit Jordaniens König über Jerusalem-Frage – Politik – Deutsch Türkisches Journal | DTJ ONLINE

Pope meets Jordan's king amid rising tensions in Jerusalem | National Catholic Reporter

Pope meets Jordan's king amid rising tensions in Jerusalem | National Catholic Reporter

Papst spricht mit Jordaniens König über Jerusalem-Frage | DOMRADIO.DE

Papst spricht mit Jordaniens König über Jerusalem-Frage | DOMRADIO.DE

His Majesty King Abdullah II meets Pope Francis | Royal Hashemite Court

His Majesty King Abdullah II meets Pope Francis | Royal Hashemite Court


King meets Pope Francis

19 December 2017

His Majesty King Abdullah’s meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis on Tuesday focused on the developments related to Jerusalem, in the wake of the United States’ decision to recognise the holy city as Israel’s capital and move its embassy to it.
Discussions at the meeting—attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammed, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy—covered the implications of the US decision, and its provocation of Muslims and Christians in the region and beyond.
King Abdullah called for preserving the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem, asserting that Jordan will continue to undertake its historical and religious role as protector of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship and with the aim of preserving the Arab, Muslim and Christian identity of the city.
His Majesty affirmed the importance of intensifying efforts to safeguard the rights of Palestinians, Muslims, and Christians to Jerusalem, which is key to regional peace and stability.
The King stressed that the US decision violates international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, noting that the status of Jerusalem must be settled within the framework of a comprehensive solution that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel.
For his part, Pope Francis, who had expressed deep concern following the US decision, said Jerusalem is a unique city that is holy for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
The Pope called for respecting Jerusalem’s status quo, according to the relevant United Nations resolutions regarding the city, in order that further violence and tension may be avoided.
Pope Francis, referring to His Majesty's pivotal role in safeguarding holy sites in Jerusalem, commended Jordan's commitment to peace and stability throughout the region and the world.
The King also met with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Discussions at the meeting, also attended by Prince Ghazi, covered regional developments and means to bolster cooperation between Jordan and the Holy See.
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See Secretary for Relations with States, attended the two meetings.

His Majesty King Abdullah meets Christian leaders, figures from Jordan, Jerusalem | Royal Hashemite Court

His Majesty King Abdullah meets Christian leaders, figures from Jordan, Jerusalem | Royal Hashemite Court




King meets Christian leaders, figures from Jordan, Jerusalem

17 December 2017

His Majesty King Abdullah met on Sunday at the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany beyond the Jordan) with Christian religious leaders and figures from Jordan and Jerusalem on the occasions of Christmas and the New Year.
During the meeting, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammed, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, King Abdullah expressed his best wishes to Christians in Jordan and Palestine, as well as to all Arab Christians, on the two occasions.
His Majesty affirmed the strong values of interfaith harmony and brotherhood among Muslims and Christians in Jordan, which is a model of harmony and coexistence.
The meeting also symbolised solidarity with Jerusalem and Jerusalemites—Muslims and Christians—after the churches of the holy city, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jordan decided to turn their season celebrations into expressions of solidarity with Jerusalem, in rejection of the United States’ decision to recognise the city as Israel’s capital.
At a luncheon hosted by His Majesty in honour of the attendees, the King asserted that Muslims and Christians are one family in Jordan, working for the nation’s prosperity.
The King reiterated his support for the perseverance of churches in the holy land and their efforts to preserve their holy sites and property.
His Majesty expressed appreciation for the churches and Islamic Awqaf of Jerusalem for honouring the Pact of Omar, which established the values of coexistence and peace in the holy city.
The King voiced commitment to the historical duty of safeguarding holy sites in Jerusalem, a mission that dates back to the time of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, His Majesty’s great-grandfather.
His Majesty said the US decision on Jerusalem violates international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, stressing that any measures that alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem are null and void.
The right of Muslims and Christians to Jerusalem is eternal, the King reaffirmed.
For their part, the attendees expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s efforts to defend Jerusalem and support the steadfastness of Jerusalemites, noting the King’s status as Custodian of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites.
They reiterated their rejection of the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, describing it as an illegal step that undermines peace and violates the teachings of Christianity.
The religious leaders expressed support for His Majesty’s recent speech at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Extraordinary Summit, and the King’s affirmation that the right of Muslims and Christians to Jerusalem is eternal.
They urged His Majesty to address the United Nations, UNESCO and various international fora on behalf of all Churches.
The speakers also denounced attempts to Judaise Jerusalem and alter its Arab identity.
Prime Minister Hani Mulki, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Chief Islamic Justice Abdul Karim Khasawneh, Grand Mufti Mohammad Khalaileh, and a number of ministers and senior officials attended the meeting.

Following are the full remarks of the speakers:
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III:
Address by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City and all Jordan and Palestine,
Your Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein,
Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites, and the protector of the holy sites in Jerusalem,
Your Excellencies,
Blessed greetings from Jerusalem,
We see in your presence, as we have always seen, the great love and loyalty to the holy city, and in these days, when Jerusalem sleeps with its wounds, it sees in your eyes, Your Majesty, the spark of hope and senses from the brave people of Jordan, the deep devotion of its sacred  soil, that still carries the blood of your brave soldiers, and the blood of your martyred grandfather, the founding King Abdullah I, may God bless his soul.
I come today, carrying from the land of Nativity and Resurrection, the land of Al Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock, enormous gratitude. I stand witness to your great devotion to Jerusalem, as the rightful custodian over its holy sites.
Your Majesty, there is none more able to protect Jerusalem better than you, for you are the most dedicated and honest in defending its cause and safeguarding its Christian holy sites, as you also protect its Islamic holy sites.
This is how we have always regarded you, Your Majesty. You are the heir of the Pact of Omar, which laid the foundations of Muslim-Christian coexistence and maintained a flourishing Islamic and Christian civilisation in our holy lands.
For us, Your Majesty, you represent an icon of love and peace, which was embodied when the Patriarch of the Holy City, Saint Sophronius, met with Caliph Al-Faruq Omar bin Al Khattab, bringing together the first Christian-Muslim spiritual encounter in Jerusalem.
Today, we emphasise the most important principles of the Pact of Omar: that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is for Christians and Al Aqsa Mosque/Haram Al Sharif is for Muslims. Based on this fact, the Churches of Jerusalem will not hesitate to protect Islamic holy sites, just as the Jerusalem Awqaf protect our safety and property whenever we are threatened.
I came here today to renew the pledge of allegiance to you, as you uphold the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, with its unique status, and as you address international fora on behalf of Palestine, as the custodian of its holy sites.
I came to you, with the modesty of nativity and the great meanings of resurrection, to deliver to your generous hands the file of our Orthodox Church of Jerusalem “The Mother of All Churches”, not to burden you more, but because we have great trust in you. You are the most capable of addressing the world, not in the name of Palestine alone, but also in the name of the “Mother of All Churches”, based on your concern for the Christians of the Levant, which is burdened by the pains of extremism and discrimination. We strongly believe that you are the voice of truth that will always prevail.
Your Majesty,
I stand here to reaffirm my allegiance to you, just like the scholars, leaders, and people of Jerusalem and Palestine stood on 11 March 1924, pledging their allegiance  to your great grandfather Sharif Hussein bin Ali, may God bless him and grant him peace.
We renew our pledge to unite our love for Jerusalem. We affirm our deep pride in the positions of the Hashemites and the steadfastness of the brave, loyal Amman that has never hesitated to hold Jerusalem with love without bias or discrimination. Jerusalem, Christians and Muslims alike, have always been in the conscience of the Hashemites and in the hearts of all Jordanians throughout history.
Our Holy Church was founded in Jerusalem as the first Church and "Mother of All Churches.". Today, its property is subject to greater greed, restrictions, and violations. The case of Bab Al Khalil stands as testament to the kind of conspiracies and attempts on church property,  in an attempt to change the identity and history of the holy city.
Your Majesty, the Custodian,
The politicisation of Jerusalem, attempts to dominate it, and the undermining of the existing status quo is a desecration of its sanctity, a threat to its history and its existence, and a destruction of its holy sites and civilisation. It deals a serious blow to relevant UN resolutions and threatens to end peace in the city of peace.
From the land of Baptism, where Christianity was launched into the world. We call on the people of conscience and good intentions to stand against any violation facing Jerusalem, its holy sites and people; to pay attention to their duties in protecting the holy city; and to support your efforts in protecting holy sites in Jerusalem, in order for Jerusalem to remain the capital of spiritual and human values, and a n example of harmony among people of different faiths and nationalities, so that the blessings and grace of God will remain present.
Jerusalem, Your Majesty, is walking on a new Via Dolorosa today, where this city has been known as the most sacred path of pain experienced by the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which was completed with the glorious resurrection, to declare that after death comes a resurrection and life, and no matter how strong injustice can be, justice will prevail, because evil is doomed to end. This is the message of our Holy Church to our people in these difficult days: we must not lose hope; we must seek strength from faith, hope and love; and we must preserve our national unity and harmony, and the vibrant Christian presence in our holy land. There are many who wish for an East without Christians, and we tell them that we are here to stay. We look towards Jerusalem in our prayers, and we are ready to sacrifice everything to protect it.
We are here, Your Majesty, appreciating your continued sincere efforts to protect Christian presence, and your keen interest in supporting our affairs in the Jerusalem Orthodox Patriarchate, as well as your positions that reflect concern for all churches. We see this as a deep-rooted legacy of which we are proud, representing a role model for relations between Muslims and Christians, which cements the values of harmony, coexistence and dialogue among the followers of various religions.
Finally, you will remain, Your Majesty, in our prayers, you and your Hashemite family and all Jordanians. You have always been generous towards Jerusalem and its people. May God Almighty bless you and protect our blessed Jordan, our Arab Army, and Jordan’s security and stability under your wise leadership. You are the defender of beloved Jerusalem, its people and holy sites. We wish you a merry Christmas, as we chant with the angels “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased”.
We hope to celebrate together again, when the holy sites, the people, and the soil of Jerusalem are safe and secure, with you present as custodian. We renew our pride in you and our pledge to you. We stand in support of Your Majesty’s words: Yes, Jerusalem is in the hearts of all Christians and Muslims. Our right to Jerusalem is eternal.
May God bless you, and peace be with you and to you.

Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa:
Your Majesty,
We celebrate in these days—we Christians celebrate in these days—the Christmas Feast, a feast of peace and love for all humanity, and a feast that is far removed from all fear, as the angels said to the shepherds, as recorded in the Gospel, I quote: “Do not be afraid: behold, I proclaim to you a great joy that will be for all the people: today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Lk 1:10-12).
“The Eternal Word became man and made his dwelling among us,
(Jn 1:14), and entered into our history. He did not come as a judge or with punishment. He came a little child, humble, meek, with a simple announcement of joy, as we heard: “Behold, I proclaim to you a great joy”.
This proclamation is addressed to us, especially this year. Indeed, we are all hungry for joy. But we also see that true joy is so difficult in the complex and exhausting circumstances we experience in this historic moment.
Your Majesty,
There are many religious and social reasons to celebrate and express Christmas joy, moments that we do not want to be without. But, alas, we also have reasons for raising our anxiety in your presence when we look at the social and political circumstances in which we live. Bethlehem and Jerusalem are two cities nearby and historically linked to each other, and which are the heart of our faith life and the life of our believers’ communities. When we celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem, we cannot but see Jerusalem and its difficulties.
As is well known, important declarations have been made, by which they want to change the fragile and important balance that exists in the holy city, between the religious communities, in the holy places, and in the life of the city itself. We express our regret at these declarations that do not help the peace process, but rather deepen even further the already deep mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, publicly expressed his deep concern by making a heartfelt appeal to ensure that, I quote: “everyone is committed to respect the status quo of the city, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions. Jerusalem is a unique city, sacred for Jews, Christians and Muslims, who in her venerate the Holy Places of their respective religions, and has a special vocation to peace.” End of quotation.
Keeping in mind a situation of evident conflict, we hold that every one-sided solution cannot be considered a solution. Unilateral decisions will not bring peace, but rather will distance it. Jerusalem is a treasure of all humanity. Any exclusive claim—be it political or religious—is contrary to the city's own logic.
Your Majesty,
We all know how you care for the holy city. You, together with the Hashemite family, are the Custodian of the Holy Places of the city and of the communities that live and express themselves in those places. Many times in the past, as also on this occasion, your voice has risen in defence of the status quo of the city, of its communities. We all appreciate your attention to the Christian communities and your concrete support for the life of the institutions that represent them.
At the same time, while we thank you for your testimony, which is one of the few sources of consolation in this tormented Middle East, we hope that you can have a voice at all international seats like the UN and UNESCO, and in Chancelleries of the various countries—I know that shortly you will see also Pope Francis—so that everyone's attention on the thrice-holy city, the heritage of all humanity, can protect it from unilateral decisions that humiliate and offend her, the holy city.
In these days, we all raise our voice, together, to strongly reiterate that, condemning every form of violence, both physical and political, we reassert our determination to cry out and to work so that the future of Jerusalem consists in sharing and not in excluding, in accepting and not in rejecting, so that all believers can have full and equal citizenship in the holy city.
Thank you, Your Majesty, for your courage. I assure you my personal support and that of our Christian Catholic community.
May the Lord bless you!
Director General of Jerusalem Awqaf Department Sheikh Azzam Al Khatib:
Your Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Custodian of holy sites in Jerusalem,
Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,
I am honoured to stand here to convey to Your Majesty the greetings and pride of your soldiers: the imams, staff and guards of the holy Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and those who stand strong to protect Al Aqsa Mosque; and to renew the pledge to Your Majesty that we will sacrifice our lives, children and money to defend the First Qibla of Muslims and the stepping stone of the Israa (the nocturnal journey from Mecca to Jerusalem) of your great-grandfather, the Hashemite Arab Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him.
This is a great responsibility that you, Your Majesty, carry on behalf of the entire Muslim nation, based on religion, prophecy, history and the blood of the martyrs of your Arab Army on the walls of Al Aqsa. You continue to write the pages of history in defending Jerusalem and holy sites. May God grant you victory, support your armies, and reward you on behalf of all Muslims for your good deeds.
Your Majesty,
Jerusalem, now, faces grave dangers, exacerbated recently by US President Donald Trump’s ominous decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel, an occupying power, and to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. It is an unjust decision that we have rejected in the strongest terms, as it represents a violation of the divine definition of Al Aqsa Mosque and ignores the presence of churches in Jerusalem. It is an attack on every Muslim and on every Christian; on every Jordanian and every Palestinian, and on all those who stand against colonialism, occupation, and bigotry.
The most dangerous aspect in Trump’s decision, in our view at the Jerusalem Awqaf Department, is that it legitimises and encourages the Judaisation of the heritage of Jerusalem, changes the status quo, and eliminates its historical and legal character, in a manner that threatens our Islamic and Christian holy sites. There are daily Judaisation violations against the Islamic and Christian holy sites and waqf and Christian property, including the confiscation and tampering with the ownership of property, through dishonest and illegal means, like what happened with some church property. This, under your directives, has called upon the Jerusalem Awqaf Department, in in turn, to stand by our Christian brothers and to work with them to uncover illegal attempts targeting this property, and to expose and counter forgery and fraud by utilising the documents preserved by the Awqaf Department, and which confirm the ownership rights of these Christian endowments.
Your Majesty,
The targeting of the Christian holy sites by Jewish extremists, and the arson and vandalism of over 53 churches in Jerusalem and Palestine, in so-called price tag attacks is no different than the dozens of times that the graves of Muslims have been defaced, and thousands of fake Jewish tombs have been planted on Islamic waqf land. These violations are clear evidence that the objective is to remove every holy site and heritage that is not Jewish in the holy city, and Al Aqsa Mosque lies at the heart of danger, in terms of the number and nature of these attacks.
Your Majesty,
We reaffirm our commitment to the Pact of Omar, which stipulates that we must protect our Christian brothers and defend them, their holy sites and property. We consider any attack against Christian endowments to be an attack against Al Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic Awqaf.
Your Majesty,
You have warmed the hearts of all Jerusalemites with your historic statement at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Extraordinary Summit in Istanbul, when you said: “The right of Muslims and Christians to Jerusalem is eternal”, because it is a statement that affirms Islamic-Christian unity based on the Pact of Omar and a divine promise that the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif is for Muslims just like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is for Christians alone, and God’s promise is greater than the promises of Trump and Balfour.
Your Majesty,
Your people in the city of Jerusalem look to your Custodianship of holy sites with great hope, because you are the great supporter after God Almighty, protecting and looking after Islamic and Christian holy sites, and supporting the perseverance of its people. We pledge to Your Majesty that we will remain in Jerusalem, Muslims and Christians, as loyal guards ready to give our lives to defend holy sites and your Custodianship over them.
May God protect you, Your Majesty, and keep you as a defender and protector of holy sites and of the cause of Jerusalem, the capital of the state of Palestine, and the capital of all Muslims and all Christians.
Peace and God’s blessings be upon you.

Lutheran Church Bishop of Jerusalem and Jordan Bishop Munib Yunan:
Your Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein,
First, we would like to thank Your Majesty for this gracious Hashemite gesture in inviting us from beloved Jerusalem to convey to Your Majesty greetings from the holy city. We bring to Your Majesty the love of the Holy Sepulchre and Al Aqsa. Jerusalem, the cradle of monotheistic faiths, is also the eternal capital of Christians and Muslims. It joins you in prayer for justice, peace and reconciliation.
Your Majesty,
The people of Jerusalem, Christians and Muslims, took a peaceful stand last July with the Islamic Awqaf and called clearly for respecting the historical status quo in Jerusalem. No one may undermine this historical status quo, because it is the only guarantor of peace in Jerusalem, and of peace among the followers of the three monotheistic religions. Jerusalem is the city of pluralism. It is the mother of all. It embraces all It must not be exclusive to one religion or one people. It strength lies in its plurality.
Your Majesty, as the Hashemite Custodian of Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, have always supported our perseverance so that we may stand strong on Jerusalem’s land and maintain its Arab identity, despite all the challenges that we face.
Your Majesty,
The positions of our Christian churches around the world are in support of justice and peace in Jerusalem. All  churches, including the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, the International Lutheran Council, and the Council of Churches in the United States have risen to support the stand of justice for Jerusalem over the past month. We are proud that they adopt the stand of the leaders Jerusalem’s churches.
However, and frankly, we also face some Christian groups in the world that view the developments in the Middle East and Jerusalem from a narrow religious apocalyptic perspective.
This group, whom we refer as Evangelicals, are the ones who politicise religion and “religionise” politics. Unfortunately, they view the wars, concerns, displacements, destruction and injustice in the Middle East as a precursor to the second coming of the Messiah. However, we, the true Anglicans, including the Arab Anglicans, disagree completely in letter and in spirit with these groups of Anglicans who do not support justice, and who politicise religion with misconceived and unrealistic scenarios about the Middle East.
Although some of them may have influence over decision makers in the United States, we, Arab Christians, view this group as representative of extremism religiously and politically , not as a representative of true Christianity. This group does not comprehend justice nor does it care about human rights.
Just as Your Majesty has disavowed a misguided terrorist group that does not represent true Islam, describing them as khawarej (outlaws), we, Arab Christians, disavow this Christian group that does not represent the Bible nor Christ. To us they are khawarej, outlaws to the church.
Through their literal and misguided interpretation of the Bible, they abuse the Bible and Christ, who has carried a message of peace, dignity, and justice for all mankind. Therefore, we as Arab Christians dedicated to our homeland and our just causes, are an integral part of the Arab—including Jordanian and Palestinian—social fabric. We say this clearly: The core of our Arab causes is the Palestinian issue and Jerusalem. Perhaps from harm, good will come. The US decision has renewed interest in the centrality of Jerusalem more than ever. The world understands today that there can be no peace in the Middle East without a just peace in Jerusalem and for Jerusalem.
Your Majesty,
We support you, your honourable stands, and declarations, which were adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Allow me to quote from your speech: “our region can never live in full peace without resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on the two-state solution, and in accordance with international law and resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, leading to the establishment of the Palestinian state on Palestinian soil, with East Jerusalem as its capital. There is no alternative to Jerusalem as the key to ending this historical conflict.” from the speech of His Majesty King Abdullah II in Istanbul on 13 December 2017. Only this Hashemite vision will achieve a just peace in our region, because we are proponents of peace, justice, and reconciliation. As Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate, teaches us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Mathew 5:9 
Your Majesty,
On behalf of Arab Christianity, we hope that Your Majesty, as the Custodian of all Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, will address the United Nations, UNESCO, and all influential countries and fora around the world to condemn injustice and protect the holy sites and their property against the flagrant violations of Jerusalem’s Christian and Islamic heritage.
With these words, we would like to thank you once again for this kind invitation, Your Majesty. We also thank His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammed for the love and support.
This meeting shows that you are a father to this steadfast people. It is testament to your honest keenness to safeguard the freedom of religion and worship in Jordan and the Middle East. It is also a testament to Jordan as a model of harmony and coexistence, a country that is safe for interfaith dialogue.
From Jerusalem, we pray that God Almighty will grant Your Majesty long life and support you in your endeavours for peace and harmony, justice and reconciliation, and respecting everyone’s rights.
Sending you, Jordan and the Hashemite family our best wishes.
May the peace of God be with you.

Dima Karadsheh, Member of the World Council of Churches:
Your Majesty, the Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites,
Your Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein,
Today, and from this holy site, I carry to Your Majesty a Christian Arab greeting full of the blessings of Christmas and the spirit of peace that fills our hearts with love and pride. We meet as we approach the date of birth of Christ, close to the place where Christ was baptised, on the pure land of Jordan, which prospers under wise Hashemite leadership.
Your Majesty, the Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites,
We, at the World Council of Churches, are proud of your achievements in this model of national unity and solidarity, which has never made us feel anything but as one Jordanian family, that has enjoyed and continues to enjoy the protection of the guardian of Christian and Islamic holy sites in Jordan and Palestine. We are near the Jordan River, which is a link, not a separator, between us and our holy sites, and our persevering people in the face of an unjust occupation.
In what state did you come back to us, O Christmas! Yes, we remember Christmas in the holy land, in the heart of Arab Palestine. Today, it bleeds in pain and sadness for its children, who have been martyred and displaced. There are those who stand strong and steadfast in the blessed land as it screams in the face of those who occupied and usurped it with decisions taken by “those who do not own for those who do not deserve”. From Balfour to Trump, we tell them we reject Trump’s decision just as we rejected Balfour’s 100 years ago. Your promise is null and void; it is illegal and will not be accepted by the churches or the free people of the world.
We in Jordan, with our Hashemite leadership as a role model, stand united in the face of the aggressors and the occupiers, to make the world hear the voice of the eternal Muslim and Christian right to holy sites, as Your Majesty stated in the Istanbul Summit a few days ago. Yes, it is an eternal right to our holy sites, protected by the Pact of Omar as it was protected by your grandfather Sharif Hussein bin Ali with his body and soul.
Your Majesty, today, you lead the Muslim and Christian worlds in defending holy sites as a true hero. Lead us Your Majesty, and all the Christians of the world will follow as your faithful soldiers until the injustice on Jerusalem and our holy sites is lifted.
Your Majesty, protector of this holy land,
Today, I stand before Your Majesty, proud to be an Arab, a Jordanian, a Christian, and a representative of the World Council of Churches, and we ask Your Majesty, as the Custodian of all our Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, to step up your efforts in defending our Islamic and Christian holy sites at the United Nations, UNESCO, the International Court of Justice, and all other international fora to protect our churches and property, especially at this time, when the churches suffer under widespread abuse. Over 60 churches in Jerusalem and Palestine have been barbarically burned and vandalised by Israeli extremists in recent years, in so-called price tag attacks that included the defacement of these churches with offensive graffiti targeting all Christians, including Jesus Christ, peace be upon him.
Your Majesty,
Last but not least, we declare our loyalty to Your Majesty and the Hashemite family, and to every member of our brave army and Nashama. May God protect the Christians and Muslims of my country under the leadership of the Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein.
May God protect you, Your Majesty, and season’s greetings.