by Daoud Kuttab

​ In his UN speech on Monday, King Abdullah II affirmed that  Jordan continues to protect Christianity, its communities, and its heritage in their original and historical homeland, while simultaneously defending the true image of Islam against voices of hatred. His Majesty also reiterated Jordan’s commitment to upholding the Hashemite custodianship and preserving the historical and legal status quo of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
The King said: We will continue to uphold the Hashemite custodianship and preserve the historical and legal status quo of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. We will not abandon our commitment to a just peace. We will continue to support Palestinian resilience. And we will continue to support UNRWA.
In this context, Milhilard.net conducted a series of interviews with Christian figures commenting on His Majesty the King’s speech.

Bishop Iyad Twal: Protecting Christianity is integral to Jordan’s identity and the Hashemite mission.
The Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, Bishop Iyad Twal, told Milhilard.net: “We in Jordan cherish this Hashemite vision, which affirms that protecting Christianity in its historical homeland is not merely a national duty, but an integral part of Jordan’s identity and the Hashemite mission.

We have lived together in this blessed land as partners in building the nation and serving humanity, and the words of His Majesty King Abdullah II remain a confirmation that preserving the Christian heritage and defending the true Islam are two sides of the same coin, based on human dignity, mutual respect, and confronting all forms of hatred and extremism .”
We, as Jordanian Christians, see in this position an extension of a long history of brotherhood and deep-rooted citizenship that has made Jordan a model for coexistence.
Bishop Atallah Hanna: We appreciate the King’s concern for the Christian presence and his constant defense of it.

Archbishop Attallah Hanna: All Palestinian appreciate and value these positions
Archbishop Atallah Hanna, head of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, told Milhilard.net: “All praise to His Majesty the King for this distinguished address and these wise words. His Majesty was a voice calling for truth and justice, and a champion of the vulnerable and oppressed. All Palestinians appreciate and value these positions and these clear and courageous words calling for an end to the aggression, the occupation, and the achievement of justice, which has been absent in this land. We also value His Majesty’s concern for the Christian presence and his constant defense of it, as he is the Hashemite Custodian of our Islamic and Christian holy sites and endowments. All praise to His Majesty the King for these positions .”

Senator Michel Nazzal: Jordan is a message of hope, a civilizational model, and a model for coexistence.

Senator Michel Nazzal told Milhilard.net that Jordan embodies a unique and inspiring model of coexistence, where the Hashemite leadership and the Jordanian people work together to build a society based on full citizenship and national harmony. With this approach, the Jordanian state has become a living message of hope for the Middle East and the world at large, proving that religious and cultural diversity is not a source of conflict and division, but rather a fundamental pillar of strength and cultural richness.
He continued, “His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein summarized this firmly established Jordanian approach in his address to the United Nations General Assembly, saying: ‘We protect Christianity – its communities and heritage – in its original and historical homeland, while defending the true image of Islam in the face of voices of hatred.’ These words encapsulate the essence of the Jordanian message, which combines protecting the Christian heritage with defending the pure image of Islam simultaneously .”
Amidst the rising tide of hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric against Muslims on the global stage, His Majesty King Abdullah II is leading a rational and balanced defense that seeks to highlight the true essence of Islam. This noble religion is founded on the principles of peace, tolerance, and justice—fundamental values that Jordan is working to consolidate and promote globally. Thus, Jordan stands in a position of historical responsibility, defending Islam against those who distort its image, and protecting Christianity and its communities in their original and historical homeland.
Jordan’s efforts to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue are evident in pioneering initiatives, most notably the “Amman Message,” which has become a global reference reflecting the true image of Islam. These initiatives affirm to the world that terrorism and extremism have no religion, and that protecting the pure image of Islam is essential for global peace. These efforts also stem from the Hashemite vision, which links defending Islam with protecting the Christian heritage as two facets of a shared responsibility towards all humanity.
Protecting the Christian heritage and communities in Jordan and the region is not merely a political choice, but a historical and moral responsibility that Jordan proudly bears, as His Majesty the King affirmed in his address to the United Nations. This responsibility aims to preserve the region’s diverse fabric and rich cultural identity in the face of displacement and marginalization that threaten these ancient communities’ existence. As His Majesty the King stated: We protect Christianity in its original and historical homeland because its presence is an integral part of the region’s identity and human heritage.
Thus, Jordan presents the world with a practical model for managing religious and cultural diversity, affirming that coexistence is not a distant dream but a tangible reality when genuine political will and deep public awareness of diversity’s value as civilizational and human enrichment are present. His Majesty the King’s words before the United Nations remain a living testament to the fact that Jordan carries a dual message: protecting Christianity in its historical homeland and defending the true image of Islam against voices of hatred.

MP Hayel Ayash: Protecting the Christian presence in the East is a responsibility and a true partnership.
MP Hayel Ayash told Milhilard.net, “His Majesty’s speech at the United Nations was a truly historic speech. As it is every year, His Majesty undoubtedly speaks at the United Nations, one of the very few voices in the world that reflects the beating heart of the organization and conveys the true message of the United Nations through the challenges and turmoil in our region, especially in the Middle East .”
His Majesty affirmed that peace will not be achieved in our region unless the Palestinian issue is resolved, which is the central issue for the Jordanian state. He also emphasized the Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites, describing it as the “safety valve” for protecting the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
In his remarks yesterday, His Majesty reaffirmed that Christianity has a deep presence in its original homeland; it is the origin of Christianity, and its civilization is rooted in the East. From here Christianity emerged, from here it began, and from here this religion will remain the foundation of Christian civilization, which later spread to other peoples in Europe, Africa, and West Asia.
His Majesty’s message conveyed a clear meaning: we are working to protect the Christian presence in the East, and caring for and preserving this presence is essential because its roots are deeply embedded in these lands, in our Arab countries, and in our Arabian Peninsula. This presence has a positive impact on shaping global perceptions, rather than viewing Arab countries as incubators of terrorism; this does not reflect the true image of either Islam or Christianity.
Therefore, we, as peoples of this region, must be loving brothers and sisters and practice coexistence with genuine will from all sides, because coexistence is not coercion but sharing life and living side by side. We share air, water, and food, and we must also share love and respect.
Thus, His Majesty remains one of the few leaders—at the level of Arab states—who consistently speaks about protecting the Christian presence and preserving the Christian heritage in the East. Therefore, we must support His Majesty and stand by him in every step he takes and in every word he has spoken.
We are proud of this journey and of this Hashemite leadership, which the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan cherishes. His Majesty has distinguished himself globally by addressing the mind before the heart, and speaking to the conscience and human spirit, calling upon us to support one another and live side by side in a turbulent world. In conclusion, we are true partners in preserving the Christian presence in our East, a presence we cherish and are proud of.

Engineer Nidal Qaqish: Christianity originated here, and its roots run deep in Jordan’s history.
Engineer Nidal Qaqish told Milhilard.net: Christianity started here…where Jesus Christ began his mission. Anyone who knows Jordan well knows it is a holy land full of ancient churches, some of which are among the oldest in the world.
His Majesty King Abdullah II spoke the truth, the words of a strong leader who knows full well that Jordanian Christians are the very foundation of the region, their roots deeply embedded in history. As a great leader who loves his country and his people, he defends them, their heritage, and their holy sites. Jordan is not an artificial entity, devoid of humanity and justice… but rather a state that claims for itself a right that does not exist, that desecrates holy sites, speaks with hateful, racist rhetoric, and is far removed from democracy and the rule of law. His Majesty, may God protect him, spoke the truth, and we, the Christian Jordanians, stand with him—we support him and stand by his side—because Jordan is a democratic state governed by the rule of law, not a state where holy sites are desecrated.

Father Muhammad George Shraihah: The King is a resounding voice against injustice and in support of the Palestinian cause.
Father Muhammad George Shraihah, pastor of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Salt, told Milhilard.net: “The words spoken by our King, protected by God and beloved by the people, are true. His Majesty’s positions are clear for all to see on international platforms, and today we see him at the United Nations podium, addressing the wounds of the Arab nation, especially our brothers in Palestine. How could it be otherwise, when he is the true Hashemite custodian of the Christian and Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem? He carries His Majesty’s banner, a voice crying out in the wilderness of this world against injustice and tyranny, always demanding justice, and supporting the Palestinian cause and the just causes of our nation .”

Eman Oweis: What the King said is a reality we live in, not just words on paper.
Mrs. Iman Awais from Jerash told Milhilard.net, “I am proud to be a Jordanian Christian, and to belong to this precious homeland and its Hashemite leadership, which always showers us with its love and care. What His Majesty the King said is what we feel and live in every detail of our lives; it is not just words on paper or a declaration in international forums, but the reality we live in this country .”

Reverend Nabih Abbasi: We, as Jordanian Christians, are proud of the pioneering role played by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

The President of the Baptist Convention in Jordan issued a statement in which the Reverend Dr. Nabih Abbasi, President of the Baptist Convention in Jordan and Ambassador of the World Baptist Alliance for the Middle East, expressed his great pride in the speech delivered by His Majesty the Hashemite King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, may God protect and preserve him, before the United Nations General Assembly at its eighty-first session, which clearly reflected the constants of Jordanian policy based on wisdom, moderation, defending justice, preserving human dignity, and the tireless pursuit of achieving peace and stability in the region and the world.
The statement read: “We affirm our support for the national positions expressed by His Majesty the King, foremost among them the call for an immediate end to the war and the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip, the protection of civilians, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, and working diligently to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy, preserving the rights of all peoples, and paving the way for a future of security and stability .”
We also appreciate His Majesty’s emphasis on the importance of preserving Syria’s unity, sovereignty and stability, and his call to address the region’s crises through dialogue and diplomacy, away from violence and escalation, in a way that consolidates regional security and serves the interests of all the peoples of the region.
The Baptist community in Jordan renews its full support for the historic Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which constitutes a historic and religious trust, and a fundamental role in protecting the historic identity of the holy city, preserving its holy sites, and maintaining its pluralistic character, thereby promoting the values of mutual respect and coexistence among the followers of religions.
We, as Jordanian Christians, are proud of the pioneering role played by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, in consolidating the values of citizenship, religious freedom, coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and enhancing Jordan’s image as a model of moderation, openness, and mutual respect.
As we raise our prayers to Almighty God to protect Jordan, to perpetuate the blessing of security and stability upon it, and to bless His Majesty the King and His Highness the Crown Prince, and to grant them success in continuing to lead the nation with wisdom and competence, we affirm our constant commitment to working for peace, serving society, and promoting all that unites peoples on the basis of truth, justice, and love.
“ Mercy and justice preserve the king, and his throne is sustained by mercy .” Proverbs 20:28
Dr. Taghreed Odeh: His Majesty the King combined protecting the Christian presence with its historical legacy.
Dr. Taghreed Odeh, Director of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, praised His Majesty King Abdullah II’s affirmation before the United Nations General Assembly that Jordan “protects Christianity – its communities and heritage – in its original and historical homeland, while defending the true image of Islam in the face of voices of hatred.” This embodies a clear and responsible vision in preserving religious diversity, protecting cultural heritage, and defending the essence of religions and their values in the face of hate speech and extremism.
She said to Milhilard.net : Combining the protection of the Christian presence and its historical heritage with the defense of the true image of Islam reflects a deep understanding of the shared responsibility to protect humanity and its dignity, and to preserve the diversity that has historically formed an integral part of our region and its identity.
This is a vision we at the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies are proud to support through dialogue between religions and cultures, promoting mutual knowledge, and establishing the values of respect, understanding, and coexistence.
Reverend Bashar Al-Naamat: What His Majesty the King has proposed reflects a genuine vision for protecting religious and historical diversity.
Reverend Bashar Al-Naamat, Vice President of the Evangelical Christian Union in Jordan and the Holy Land, told Milhilard.net that His Majesty the King’s proposal—which is not new to His Majesty—represents a genuine vision for protecting religious and historical diversity in our region. Protecting Christianity and its authentic heritage has never been merely a political stance for Jordan, but rather a civilizational responsibility that we, as leaders and people, live by. We, as Evangelical Christians in Jordan, stand proudly behind this royal vision, which reflects our reality and our existence. At the same time, confronting hate speech is the essential foundation that the world needs today to solidify coexistence in pluralism.

Reverend Waleed Madanat: His Majesty the King was well aware of Jordan’s unwavering stance in preserving the Christian presence.
Reverend Walid Madanat, head of the Nazarene Church in Jordan, told Milhilard.net that His Majesty King Abdullah II spoke with depth and clarity for approximately twenty minutes, delivering purposeful and frank remarks. Regardless of differing viewpoints on these wars, their causes, and their instigators, His Majesty presented the world with a humanitarian stance stemming from a profound understanding of the values of love, compassion, and the call for peace—values shared by a broad segment of Jordanians, as well as millions of peace-loving people worldwide.
His Majesty’s speech also included his position, and Jordan’s firm position, on preserving the Christian presence in Jordan and the Holy Land, and emphasizing its importance and status, despite all the challenges and transformations that have swept through the region.
Jordan continues, at the highest levels, its preparations to celebrate in 2030 the two thousandth anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ at the Baptism Site, with the religious and historical importance of this event and the message of peace that extends from Jordan to the world.
I say with pride and gratitude: Thank you, Your Majesty King Abdullah II, for this clear humanitarian voice, and for carrying Jordan’s message to the world. May God grant you a long life, protect your Crown Prince, and preserve Jordan and its people.

Amin Ziadat: The King speaks frankly about Arab issues and puts Jordan first.
The publisher of Nebras Media Group told ​milhilard.net, “In every speech, His Majesty the King proves that he is a wise leader and a leader of a nation, not just a head of state. He addressed all the problems and issues facing the Arab world, most importantly the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and he spoke by name, not indirectly, but with clear and unequivocal statements before the entire world .”
Jordan is always first and foremost in His Majesty’s speeches, for the interest and strength of Jordan and the protection of its borders are, first and foremost, Arab interests. We can only say: May God protect His Majesty the King, the King of wisdom and courage, and may God protect this precious homeland.
The Islamic-Christian Commission praised the King’s speech and affirmed the importance of his stance on Jerusalem and the holy sites.

Islamic-Christian Commission in Palestine thanks King for stressing centrality of Palestine
The Islamic-Christian Commission praised the speech delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah II before the United Nations General Assembly, and the positions it contained regarding the Palestinian cause, Jerusalem and its holy sites, stressing that the speech put the international community back before its responsibilities towards what the Palestinian people are subjected to, and emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian cause as a key to achieving peace and stability in the region.
The Authority appreciated what was included in His Majesty the King’s speech regarding the presentation of Israeli violations in the Palestinian territories, most notably settlement expansion, land confiscation, house demolitions, and settler attacks on Palestinian communities, in addition to what is happening in the Gaza Strip, and the speech’s call for the international community to assume its responsibilities in dealing with violations of international law.
In an interview with Milhilard.net, Hatem Abdel Qader, Secretary-General of the Islamic-Christian Commission for the Support of Jerusalem and Holy Sites, praised His Majesty the King’s affirmation that the Palestinian cause is not a religious conflict between Muslims, Jews, and Christians, but rather a cause of a people, both Muslim and Christian, struggling for their rights, freedom, and dignity. The Commission viewed this stance as a crucial message in countering attempts to transform the conflict into a religious confrontation, and simultaneously as a reaffirmation of the unity of the Palestinian national fabric and the protection of the historical Islamic and Christian presence in Jerusalem and throughout Palestine.

 Reverend David ​ ​Ayyoub​ Rihani: “Protecting the Christian presence and its heritage was never a sudden idea .”
Reverend David Rihani, head of the Assemblies of God Church in Jordan, told Milhilard.net that what His Majesty King Abdullah II said before the United Nations about protecting Christianity, its communities, and its heritage in its original and historical homeland is, for us Jordanian Christians, an extension of an authentic Jordanian history in which Christianity has been part of the nation’s journey since its beginnings. The Hashemites have played a prominent role in preserving, respecting, and protecting this presence and its heritage. Perhaps one of the most beautiful examples of this is what happened about a hundred years ago in the city of Salt, when a royal decree was issued by the founding King Abdullah I to acquire land for the construction of a school and a church, thus beginning the journey of the Assemblies of God Church in Jordan, which celebrated its centennial anniversary in Jordan.
This page from Jordan’s history affirms that protecting the Christian presence and its heritage has never been a fleeting idea, but an integral part of a nation’s journey that has embraced its children and made respecting faith, preserving holy sites, and serving humanity a national responsibility. Therefore, we congratulate His Majesty the King on his address to the United Nations, which articulated essential foundations for building peace in our region: human dignity, respect for religions, protection of holy sites, rejection of hatred, preservation of diversity, justice, and peace. From Salt, the heart of Jordan’s history, we are proud that the Assemblies of God Church remains part of this journey, and that we will continue our mission of serving God, humanity, and the nation, and preserving this heritage for future generations.
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