By Raed Al Abed
(Published in the The Star Jordan - November 7 1996)

THE DECISION of the government (of Jordan) to allow the teaching of Christianity in government schools was warmly received by the Christian community in Jordan. However, Islamists are yet to make up their mind about such a decision.

Christians in Jordan number about 200,000, that is about eight percent of the population, while Sunni Muslims form the majority at 92 percent.

The three main Christian churches in Jordan are Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Greek Orthodox, yet the teaching of the Christian religion is only taught in private Christian schools.

Up till now only Islam as a religion is taught in government schools. Since the early '70s, the Christian community has called for the teaching of the Christian religion in government schools. However this demand was brushed off, that is until today.

During his visit to the Ministry of Education last week, Prime Minister, Mr Abdel Karim Al Kabariti, outlined the government intention to introduce a new method of religious education. "Religious education is basic in the educational process, but it does not mean Islamic education alone," said Mr Kabariti. "I hope you understand that education, Islamic or Christian, complement each other in finding common objectives."

Mr Kabariti said that the Ministry of Education should make sure that the process of introducing Christian teaching in government schools runs smoothly.

Such a decision is warmly received by Jordanian Christians as Monsignor Dr Raouf Al Najar points out. "Christianity and/or Islamic Education are an essential part of the educational process, it is a basic necessity because of its moral values," Monsignor Al Najar added.

Christians are represented in Parliament, through the Christian quota. Nine members of the Lower House and four members in the Upper House are Christians.

During last year's seventh Lower House ordinary session, the Christian deputies proposed introducing legislation's to teach Christianity as a subject in government schools, and to have an official holiday on Christmas Day on 25 December. Their demands were entertained by the former Prime Minister Sherif (now Prince) Zaid Ben Shaker. However, a compromise was reached, he made the New Year Day, 1 January, as an official holiday instead.

During that session the Islamists in the Lower House worked hard to bring down any measure that would introduce the teaching of Christianity in government schools and opposed the new year national holiday.

"The identity of this country is Islam, that is why we opposed the new year measure. We must not surrender the country's identity," said Mr Hamzah Mansour the spokesman of the Islamic bloc in Parliament, and member of the Islamic Action Front (IAF). Mr Mansour was frank. He stated that the IAF has not yet reached a decision about the teaching of Christianity in public schools. "Such a subject is very sensitive," adding that "the IAF has set up a special committee to study the issue." It seems from this that the Islamists have not closed all doors.

Christians believe that the teaching of Christianity in schools will enforce the articles in the constitution which guarantee the protection and the right of worship for all, and equality between all Jordanians.

Bishop Salim Al Sayegh of the Latin Vicariate said this decision is aimed to "orient the the students on the principles of religion, something that is in the interest of the country."

"I believe that it's a step that strengthens the general social education of the members of the Christian community," said deputy Bassam Haddadin, who represents a Christian seat in Zarqa. "I want more openness. All students should learn even if just a little bit, about other religions."

Official sources told The Star that the intention of the government is to introduce the teaching of Christianity as a subject in state schools but this still requires a lot of discussion and debate. The source added that the government is optimistic because the initial reaction from the Islamists has not been hostile, and especially since the IAF accepts Christians within its rank and file.

Even, the Muslim Brotherhood have refused to comment directly on the issue. "The subject is very sensitive, complicated, and needs the cooperation of all parties concerned," the movement's spokesman said. "The movement is studying it from all its religious, political and national aspects."

Dr Ishaq Al Farhan, IAF secretary general, said the Islamic religion is the official religion of Jordan, according to the Constitution. But "it is possible for Christian students to have specific periods to learn about their religion." However, he does not believe in teaching Christianity as a specific subject in public schools. Dr Farhan thinks it would be more productive to allocate specific periods for the study of religion from a comparative perspective and within the context of a national education curricula.

Dr Farhan believes that from a practical point of view it would be difficult to teach Christianity as a subject in government schools because of the expense that would be involved and the limited number of teachers.

Mr Haddadin disagrees emphatically. "It is not true to say that the expense will be great. In Syrian schools for example, all denominations are taught." He added. that "teaching Christianity would be wholly practically if it is thoroughly studied."

In Amman "we have a number of religious rehabilitation centres, which graduated tens of people who are qualified to teach Christianity," said Bishop Al Sayegh. "Since a long time all the Christian denominations in Jordan adopted the 'Syrian curriculum,' which is also accepted by the Ministry of Education," to teach in private schools.

Mr Al Sayegh added that expense is not an obstacle. "Christian schools teach the Islamic religion for its students and it pays the allowances of the teachers of these subjects."