The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who was in the Jordanian capital Amman for a regional Anglican Primates’ Meeting, has met King Abdullah II of Jordan. A statement issued by the Royal Court said that the meeting covered Jordan’s efforts in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and preserving its identity as a unifying city of peace; as well as Jordan’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and harmony.

During the meeting, King Abdullah said that Christians are an important part of the region, rooted in its culture and history, the Royal Court statement said. He noted that Jordan offers a model of Muslim-Christian harmony for the region and the world. Archbishop Justin commended King Abdullah’s efforts in pursuit of peace and stability in the region, and promoting dialogue and tolerance through initiatives like the UN-endorsed World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Archbishop Justin was in Amman for a regional Primates’ Meeting of Anglican leaders from the Middle East and south Asia. Discussions included plans for the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops, which will take place in Canterbury in 2020.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, and the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Suheil Dawani, met in the Jordanian capital Amman this week.
Photo: ACNS

During their time in Jordan, which was hosted by the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Suheil Dawani, the Archbishop of Canterbury also met with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Thdophilos III.

Archbishop Justin also joined Primates and a small group of staff from the Anglican Communion Office in a visit to the east bank of the River Jordan to pray at the reputed site of the Baptism of Jesus.