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A country such as Jordan, which is striving to overcome its problems and move toward democracy, can come to view these constant criticisms as threats — provoking a strong negative reaction. In Jordan, our King Abdullah has a vision for his country and for the region that is ahead of many leaders of other nations. As evangelicals, we support His Majesty in his advances towards freedom, human rights, and peace. Countries where democracy is full-fledged should take a shepherding and encouraging role with Jordan and its outstanding leader.

4. The need for mutual appreciation for evangelical achievement. Evangelicals in Jordan and much of the Middle East are to be thankful for the many things they have been allowed to do. Likewise, Arab governments should be proud and appreciative of the many contributions that evangelicals have made. Through the decades, evangelicals in Jordan have established recognized schools, hospitals, orphanages, bookstores, charity organizations, cultural centers, publishing houses, and businesses, and have invested millions of dollars in the country.

A major achievement has been the establishment of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) with its services to equip Arab leaders for the Arab world. Evangelicals draw courage and strength from such calls as from His Royal Highness, Prince Hassan of Jordan, encouraging Christians to continue to enrich the Arab world with their presence and unique contribution (see "The Peacebuilding Prince"). This mutual appreciation should always be strengthened and encouraged through proper and constant communication to avoid misunderstanding.

5. The need for cooperation between evangelicals and non-evangelicals. It was indeed shocking and sad that the council of the Catholic and Orthodox bishops in Jordan denounced the presence of the evangelical churches and their institutions in the newspapers and television, resulting in further media backlash. This has brought pain and confusion to the average Jordanian citizen and shame to Christians in the eyes of Arabs in the region. It is difficult to understand how the Catholics and Orthodox churches call on the cessation of all evangelical activity in the country when they and the evangelical churches are equally registered as churches in the country; both have the same common foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible, and at least the Nicene, Athanasian, and Chalcedonian creeds, and they together do not constitute more than 3 percent of the population!

It is understandable that many Catholics and Orthodox Christians are angry that some evangelicals view them as not being true believers. Surely some evangelicals err in this regard and should cease from judging others. But evangelicals are good people and sincerely seek to serve Christ and see all who carry Christ's name walk in truth with him. They desire to share the weight of this responsibility with all churches that have the same vision. Yet it is imperative that intervention takes place at the highest ecclesiastical level to seek ways of cooperation.

6. The need to clarify much misunderstanding. JETS has been at the heart of the recent news in Jordan. Our leadership feels saddened that some government authorities, particularly Jordanian intelligence, misunderstand what JETS does. We want our authorities, especially His Majesty King Abdullah, to be very proud of JETS, which began in 1991. JETS has done the country and region a great service in helping many young men and women remain in the Arab world by providing them with the best theological training possible. We equip those from any Arab country and from any church denomination to be effective teachers and leaders in their communities. JETS also improves the economy of the country via the donations we receive from sincere and well-meaning Christians in Western countries, and without any preconditions. The presence of JETS also helps to enhance Jordan's image. To the good name of Jordan, after its inception in 1991, licensed by the Ministry of Culture in 1995, the institution's programs have been approved for accreditation by international accrediting agencies in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

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April (Web-only) 2008, Vol. 52