Jordan begins preparations for Jesus’ baptism anniversary

Jordan has begun preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ, with officials saying the 2030 commemoration will highlight the kingdom’s role as a destination for Christian pilgrimage. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired the first meeting of a national committee on Aug. 10 to prepare for the anniversary, according to Vatican News. The commemoration will mark 2,000 years since the traditional date of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist at Al-Maghtas, in present-day Jordan.The site, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, is revered by Christians and has been promoted by Jordan as a pilgrimage destination in the Holy Land. The National Committee for the Preparation of the Celebration of the Second Millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ will oversee preparations for the event. The committee includes government ministers, Church leaders, community representatives and officials from institutions connected with the baptism site and tourism. Hassan said preparations should begin immediately, in line with directives from King Abdullah II and in support of an initiative proposed by the Council of Church Leaders in Jordan. He said the commemoration reflects Jordan’s “historical and religious significance” and its message of “coexistence, respect, peace, love and human fraternity.” Hassan said the government would mobilize available resources for the occasion, calling it an opportunity to strengthen Jordan’s position as a land of religious heritage and a global destination for Christian pilgrims. Officials also reviewed plans by the Foundation for the Development of Lands Adjacent to the baptism site. The proposed projects include an integrated village for Christian pilgrims and visitors, a museum dedicated to the baptism of Jesus Christ, a green corridor and infrastructure improvements. Participants called for specialized subcommittees, supported by experts, to oversee the projects linked to the commemoration. The committee is chaired by the Jordanian prime minister and includes ministers responsible for government communication, interior, digital economy and entrepreneurship, and tourism and antiquities.Church representatives include Bishop Christophoros Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan; Archbishop Iyad Twal, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan; Archbishop Hossam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop; and Bishop Munib Younan, former bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Other members include officials from the Baptism Site Development Foundation, the Baptism Site Commission and the Jordan Tourism Board, as well as Nadim Al-Mauasher, Osama Imseeh and Basem Farraj.