ICC Note:

While Jordanian Christians did not face specific threats during Holy Week, the unstable bordering countries of Iraq and Syria raised questions and concerns. With the addition of heightened persecution in Egypt this past week, these Christians had a justified fear. In a show of unity, Jordanian Muslims are reported to have posted themselves outside Christian churches to guard against the possibility of further persecution. This presented unity and support may be exactly what is needed to finally overthrow ISIS.

2017-04-18 Jordan (Christian Post) – Just a week after 45 people were killed and over 120 were injured in Islamic State-claimed suicide bombings at two Coptic churches in Egypt on Palm Sunday, The Jordan Times reports that Muslim youth across the Sunni kingdom banded together to defend their Christian neighbors as they worshipped on one of the holiest days of the year for followers of Christ.

Although there were no known direct threats to Jordanian churches this Easter, the kingdom, which borders both Iraq and Syria, ranks as the 27th worst nation in the world when it comes to the persecution of Christians on Open Doors USA’s 2017 World Watch List.

According to the Times, Fayez Ruqeidi from the Balqa governorate said the act of solidarity was really to highlight “the unity of Jordanians and to give everyone the freedom to practice their religion without restraints or fear.”

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