Amman: Jordan has begun preparations for a major Christian commemoration that will take place in 2030, marking 2,000 years since the traditional date of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. The baptism is traditionally believed to have taken place at Al Maghtas, a historic site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River.
Jordanian government officials, Christian leaders and representatives from several institutions met on Monday, August 10, for the first meeting of the National Committee for the Preparation of the Celebration of the Second Millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. The committee has been established as the main national body responsible for planning and overseeing preparations for the landmark anniversary.
The meeting was chaired by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, who stressed that preparations should begin immediately. He said the work was being carried out in line with the directives of King Abdullah II and in support of an initiative proposed by the Council of Church Leaders in Jordan.
Hassan said the anniversary would be an important moment for Jordan because of the country's historical and religious connection to Christianity. He also highlighted Jordan's role as a destination for Christian pilgrims from around the world.
According to the prime minister, the celebration will provide an opportunity to show Jordan's message of coexistence, mutual respect, peace, love and human fraternity. He said the government would make the necessary resources available to support preparations for the event.
The baptism site at Al Maghtas is one of Jordan's most important Christian pilgrimage destinations. Every year, visitors from different parts of the world travel to the area because of its connection with the baptism of Jesus.
The government is now looking at ways to improve facilities around the site ahead of the 2030 anniversary. During the committee meeting, participants reviewed several projects being planned by the Foundation for the Development of Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site.
Among the proposals is the development of an integrated village for Christian pilgrims and visitors. Plans also include a museum dedicated to the baptism of Jesus Christ, a green corridor and improvements to infrastructure around the historic site.
The proposed projects are expected to improve the experience of pilgrims while also protecting and promoting the religious and historical importance of Al Maghtas. The preparations are being viewed as part of a wider effort to strengthen Jordan's position as an important centre for Christian pilgrimage.
The committee also discussed the need to establish specialised subcommittees that will be responsible for different areas of preparation. Experts and specialists are expected to assist these groups as the plans move forward.
The national committee brings together government officials, Christian leaders, community representatives and other figures connected with tourism and the development of the baptism site. Its membership reflects the importance Jordan attaches to the event and the cooperation needed between religious and civil authorities.
Among the members are the Ministers of Government Communication, Interior, Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and Tourism and Antiquities. Christian representatives include Bishop Christophoros Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, Archbishop Dr. Iyad Twal, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, and Archbishop Hossam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop.
The committee also includes Bishop Munib Younan, former Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, along with the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Baptism Site Development Foundation, the Director General of the Baptism Site Commission and the Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board.
Other members include Nadim Al Mauasher, Osama Imseeh and Basem Farraj.
The preparations come several years before the 2030 anniversary, giving Jordan time to complete infrastructure projects and organise religious and cultural activities. The occasion is expected to draw large numbers of Christian pilgrims and visitors to the country.
For Jordan, the anniversary is more than a religious celebration. It is also an opportunity to highlight the country's Christian heritage and its long history of religious coexistence. Government and Church leaders hope that the commemoration will strengthen Jordan's reputation as a place where people of different faiths can meet in an atmosphere of peace and respect.
As preparations begin, attention will increasingly turn to Al Maghtas and the wider Jordan River area. The site is expected to become a major focus of international Christian pilgrimage in the years leading up to 2030, when Jordan will mark two millennia since the traditional baptism of Jesus Christ.