Christians in Jordan
Christians in Jordan
Christians in Jordan
Can the Christian communities in Jordan escape the violent fate of their neighbors?
Christians in the Middle East might be facing the greatest threats they have known in centuries. The number of Christians in the area is decreasing, and Christians are now facing violence and even extinction in areas where they have lived for centuries. Jordan seems to be a rare exception to this violence against Christians, and is even seen as an island of peace and as an example of religious coexistence. Still it is hard to imagine that Jordan’s Christians are totally unaffected by all that is happening around them. Is the situation of Christians in Jordan really as good as its reputation makes it out to be? Do they still feel safe, and why should they?
The first chapter of this article describes different historical factors that have made Christianity in Jordan what it is today. The main factors described here are the early divisions of Christianity, the rise of Islam and its dhimma system, the Crusades and its influence until today, the Ottoman Empire and its millet system and the tanẓīmāt, and finally the formation of the modern nation states. The first factor, the divisions of Christianity, is meant to give an idea of why there are different Christian groups in Jordan today, and also why there is a difference between Christianity as we know it in the West and Christianity in the (Middle) East. Only the original divisions are discussed here, which means that there are now many groups present that are not discussed here, because of the limitations in length that this article had. The factors described in this chapter have all played an important role for Christians trough the ages, and they are crucial in understanding their current position. The dhimma system for example has played an important role since the rise of Islam, and still plays a role today.
The second chapter talks about Christianity in modern Jordan. Some field experience was needed here as an addition to the available literature. The chapter looks at who Jordan’s Christians are and what their status is in Jordan. It shows that Christians are an important and generally respected minority, despite having to deal with some legal issues. Discrimination against native Christians is very limited, but converts are not allowed to exist and thus face greater issues.
Finally, the third chapter discusses the current situation of Christians in Jordan. The main question of this part is which reasons Jordanian Christian have to leave or stay in Jordan. Or in other words: what makes Jordan different from the other countries, that they would be able to stay safe? The reasons for them to leave are the same as in the other countries. The reasons for them to stay however show the exceptionalism of Jordan. Scientific literature regarding this research question turned out to be very scarce. Thus, the –very limited- fieldwork I conducted during my internship, combined with my personal experience in Jordan, were crucial in order to write this part. Existing literature was then used to support these findings. Three factors that support the idea of Jordan’s exceptional situation are discussed: firstly Christians in Jordan have a strong bond to the Royal Family. They both need each other, and the King is very devoted to Christian-Muslim relations. A second factor is that nationalism and identity in Jordan are based on tribalism, not on religion. Thirdly, Christians in Jordan are visibly protected by the state. The safety services in Jordan are well trained and very present.
The results of my research show that Christians in Jordan have it well. They are treated as equal citizens. They have reasons to be afraid, but they are also right to assume that their situation is different. I believe that Christians have a future in Jordan and will not await the same fate as Christian communities in the surrounding countries.
REFERENCE LIST
A Common Word, in A Common Word, http://www.acommonword.com/ (accessed 09.05.2015).
ABI-HABIB, M. & MA’AYEH, S., Jordan Divided Over U.S.-Led Fight. Opposition Grows to Government’s Participation in Airstrikes on Islamic State After Pilot is Captured, in Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition, 02.02.2015, p. A7.
ABI-HABIB, M., MA’AYEH, S. & BARNES, J. E., Militants Slay Jordanian Pilot. Obama, Kind Abdullah Vow to Retaliate, Video Purports to Show Captive Burned Alive, in Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition, 04.02.2015, p. A1.
About RIIFS, in The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS), http://www.riifs.org/about-riifs.html (accessed 09.05.2015).
ABU NI’MAH, H., The Jordanian Integrative Experiment: Ethnic Profile Of Jordan, in SCHREINER, S. (ed.) “We All are Minorities – a Plea for Pluralism”. Challenges and Chances of Religious, Ethnic-Cultural, and Political Diversification in Contemporary Societies, New York, I.B. Tauris & Co, 1998, p. 17-19.
AL OUDAT, M. A. & ALSHBOUL A. D., “Jordan First”: Tribalism, Nationalism and Legitimacy of Power in Jordan, in Intellectual Discourse on Middle East Affairs 18:1 (2010) 65-96.
ASHOUR,O., How can Jordan aid the fight against Islamic State?, in BBC News, 10.02.2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31208815 (accessed 18.05.2015).
ASSER, M., Arab Christians squeezed by conflict, 24.03.2003, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2879853.stm (accessed 22.05.2015).
BARAKAT, S. & LEBER, A., Fortress Jordan: Putting the Money to Work, Doha (Qatar), Brookings Doha Center, 2015.
BINYON, M., Middle East Christians face a bleak future. Michael Binyon reports from Jordan in the high anxiety shared by all the long-established churches in the region, in The Times, 07.09.2013, p. 87.
BRADLEY, M, .SUHA, S. & FITCH, A., Jordan Launches New Strikes on Islamic State. Warplanes Attack the Group’s Syrian Positions in Retaliation for the Militants’ Killing of a Captured Air Force Pilot in Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition, 06.02.2015, p. A6.
BULOS, N. & HENNESSY-FISKE, M., Militants capture Jordanian pilot, Islamic State says it shot down the F-16 over Syria, the U.S. insists evidence shows the group did not, in Los Angeles Times, 25.12.2014, p. A3.
CAHEN, C., Dhimma, in Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition (2012) http://referenceworks.brillonline.com.kuleuven.ezproxy.kuleuven.be/entr…- islam-2/dhimma-SIM_1823?s.num=1&s.q=dhimma (accessed 08.05.2015).
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA), The World Factbook: Jordan, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jo.html (accessed 24.03.2015).
CHESNOT, C., Interview with MEYER, A., in Églises du Monde: Jordanie, KTO, 19.09.2012, http://www.oeuvre-orient.fr/2012/10/08/chretiensjordaniens/ (accessed 19.05.2015).
Christianity: Schism of 1054, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2006) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/587056/Schism-of-1054 (accessed 06.04.2015).
COHEN, A., King Abdullah II tells European Parliament religious coexistence combats extremism, in The Jerusalem Post, 10.03.2015, http://jordantimes.com/be-proud-becomes-twitter-trend-after-kings- address-to-nation (accessed 08.05.2015).
COULSON, N. J. Sharīʿah, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2014), http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/538793/Shariah (accessed 14.05.2015).
COURBAGE, Y. & FARGUES, P. Christians and Jews under Islam. Translated by J. MABRO, New York, I.B. Tauris & Co, 1998.
CURTIS, R. R., Security dilemmas and the ‘security state’ question in Jordan, 29.12.2014, http://pomeps.org/2014/12/29/security-dilemmas-and-the-security-state-q… (accessed 10.05.2015).
DAGHER, S., An ‘Arab Winter’ Chills Christians, in Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition, 05.12.2011, p. A1.
DE GREEF, J. “Vervolging Iraakse Christenen misdaad tegen mensheid”, in De Redactie, 20.07.2014, http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws/buitenland/1.2038738 (accessed 11.02.2015).
DE RAUCOURT, P. L. En Jordanie et au Liban, la lute pour la coexistence entre Chrétiens et Musulmans, in L’Oeuvre d’Orient, 05.03.2015, http://www.oeuvre-orient.fr/2015/03/05/en-jordanie-la-lutte- pour-la-coexistence-entre-chretiens-et-musulmans/ (accessed 19.05.2015).
DESSIN, D., Oprukkende haat tegen christenen, in De Redactie, 11.02.2015, http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws/opinieblog/opinie/1.2054893 (accessed 11.02.2015).
FRIEDMANN, Y., Dhimma, in Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE (2012) http://referenceworks.brillonline.com.kuleuven.ezproxy.kuleuven.be/entr…- islam-3/dhimma-COM_26005?s.num=0&s.f.s2_parent=s.f.book.encyclopaedia-of-islam- 3&s.q=dhimma (accessed 01.04.2015).
Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal, in Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs, http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/people/ghazi-bin-muhammad-bin-talal (accessed 08.05.2015).
HICK, J., Christianity: Political relations between East and West, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2014) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/115240/Christianity/67439/Pol…- between-East-and-West (accessed 12.03.2015).
HICK, J., Christianity: The alliance between Church and Empire, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2014) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/115240/Christianity/67431/The…- church-and-empire (accessed 12.03.2015).
How It Began, in World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIFHW), http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/about-us/how-it-began/ (accessed 8.05.2015).
IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE BOARD OF CANADA, Jordan: Situation and treatment of Christians; state protection and support services [JOR104151.E], 01.08.2012, https://www.ecoi.net/local_link/225116/332746_en.html (accessed 12.05.2015).
ISMAIL, N., Jordan a Safe Haven for Christians in The Middle East, in Newsblaze, 08.11.2010, http://newsblaze.com/story/20101108145451neha.nb/topstory.html (accessed 13.05.2015).
Jordan’s King Abdullah Invokes ‘Duty’ to Protect Mideast Christians, in JNS.org, 4.09.2013, http://www.jns.org/news-briefs/2013/9/4/jordans-king-abdullah-invokes-d…- christians#.VU0WZ9Ptmko (accessed 08.05.2015).
JOUCKA, H., ‘Be proud’ becomes Twitter trend after King’s address to nation, in The Jordan Times, 04.03.2015, http://jordantimes.com/be-proud-becomes-twitter-trend-after-kings-addre… (accessed 07.05.2015).
KHOURY, M. A., Legal Status of non-Muslims in Jordan. Jordanian Experience, in SCHREINER, S. (ed.) “We All are Minorities – a Plea for Pluralism”. Challenges and Chances of Religious, Ethnic- Cultural, and Political Diversification in Contemporary Societies, New York, I.B. Tauris & Co, 1998, p. 20-25.
King attend Christmas, New Year celebration in Madaba, in King Abdullah II Official Website, 23.09.2013, http://kingabdullah.jo/index.php/en_US/news/view/id/11323/videoDisplay/… (accessed 08.05.2015).
King, Crown Prince offer best wishes to Christians on Christmas, New Year in King Abdullah II Official Website, 24.12.2014,
http://kingabdullah.jo/index.php/en_US/news/view/id/12019/videoDisplay/… (accessed May 9 2015).
LAYNE, L. L., The Dialogics of Tribal Self-Representation in Jordan, in American Ehtnologist 16:1 (1989) 24-39.
MAGGIOLI, P., Arabi cristiani di Transgiordania. Spazi Politici e cultura tribale (1841-1922), Milan, FrancoAngeli, 2011.
Melchite, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2006), http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/373844/Melchite (accessed 22.05.2015).
Millet, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2010) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/382871/millet (accessed 14.05.2015).
Mufti, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2007) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/396091/mufti#ref290219 (accessed 14.05.2015).
NORDLAND, R. & BARNARD, A., Militants’ Killing of Jordanian Pilot Unites the Arab World in Anger, in The New York Times, 05.02.2015, p. A11.
NORDLAND, R. & KADRI, R., Jordan Lets Islamic State’s Deadline for a Prisoner Exchange Pass in The New York Times, 29.01.2015, p. A10.
NORDLAND, R. & KADRI, R., Tribal Loyalties Drive Jordan’s Effort to Free Pilot, in The New York Times, 01.02.2015, p. A6.
NOUR, M. & MA’AYEH, S., Pilot’s Killing Brings Rage, Revenge, in Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition, 05.02.2015, p. A.14.
O’MAHONY, A., Church, State and the Christian Communities in the Holy Places of Palestine, in PRIOR, M. & TAYLOR, W., (eds.) Christians in the Holy Land. Essex, Scorpion Publishing Ltd, 1995.
Our Aims & Objectives, in World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIFHM), http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/about-us/our-aims-objectives/ (accessed 09.05.2015).
PELIKAN, J. J., Roman Catholicism: The Crusades, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2014) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/507284/Roman-Catholicism/2576… (accessed 18.03.2015).
PRIOR, M. & TAYLOR, W., Introduction, in PRIOR, M. & TAYLOR, W., (eds.) Christians in the Holy Land. Essex, Scorpion Publishing Ltd, 1995.
RASSAM, S., Christianity in Iraq, Victoria, Freedom Publishing Pty Ltd, 2010.
SABBAGH-GARGOUR, R., Jordan’s Christians may feel safe, but they are also leaving, in The Daily Star, Lebanon, 17.12.2004, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Commentary/2004/Dec-17/94584- jordans-christians-may-feel-safe-but-they-are-also-leaving.ashx (accessed 10.05.2015).
SALIBA, N., Christians and Jews under Islam, in The World, October 2008, 4-11.SHAHATIT, B., I diritti e doveri dei Christifideles, nello statuto personale dei paesi arabi specialmente in
Giordania, Rome, Pontificia Universitas Lateranesis, 2013.SIRRY, M., The public role of Dhimmīs during ʿAbbāsid times, in Bullestin of SOAS 74:2 (2011) 187-
204, doi:10.1017/S0041977X11000024, p.191.
SPRUSANSKY, D., Christians in the Holy Land, in The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs 31:1 (2012) 49-50.
Tanzimat, in Encyclopedia Britannica (2014) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/582884/Tanzimat (accessed 14.05.2015).
TAYLOR, L., How pilot’s capture threatens Jordan’s position in Islamic State fight, in The Christian Science Monitor, 26.12.2014, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1640502487?accountid=17215 (accessed 11.05.2015).
The Amman Message: Summary, in The Official Website of the Amman Message, http://ammanmessage.com/index.php?lang=en (accessed 08.05.2015).
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR (USDOS: DRL), International Religious Freedom Report 2012: Jordan, http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2012religiousfreedom/index.htm#wrapp… (accessed
10.05.2015).
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR (UDOS: DRL), International Religious Freedom Report 2013: Jordan,
http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/religiousfreedom/index.htm?year=2013… (accessed 10.05.2015).
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE (USDOS), Jordan, September 1 2011, http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/171737.pdf (accessed 4.05.2015).
VALOGNES, J., Vie et mort des chrétiens d’Orient, Paris, Fayard, 1994.
VELA, J., Jordan: The safe haven for Christians fleeing ISIL, in The National, 14.02.2015, http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/jordan-the-safe-haven-for-c…- isil#full (accessed 06.05.2015).
Vizier, in Encyclopaedia Britannica (2014) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/631485/vizier (accessed 24.05.2015).
WALKER, W., A History of the Christian Church. 4th Edition, Edinburgh, T&T Clark, 1986.
WARRICK, J., Jordan emerges as key CIA counterterrorism ally, 04.01.2010, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/03/AR20100… (accessed 10.05.2015).
Winter for Arab Christians?, in The Christian Century 128: 23 (2011) https://www.christiancentury.org/article/2011-10/winter-arab-christians (accessed 11.05.2015).