Jordan launches preparations for 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism

AMMAN, August 12, 2026: Jordan has begun preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the traditional date of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist, to be commemorated in 2030 at Al-Maghtas, the biblical baptism site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on August 10 chaired 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 brings together government officials, Christian leaders, community representatives and institutions involved in the preparation of the landmark commemoration.

Hassan called for preparations to begin immediately, in line with directives from King Abdullah II and following an initiative proposed by the Council of Church Leaders in Jordan.

He said the anniversary would highlight Jordan’s historical and religious significance and reinforce its role as a major destination for Christian pilgrimage. The commemoration, he added, would also showcase Jordan’s commitment to coexistence, mutual respect, peace, love and human fraternity.

The government, Hassan said, would mobilise the necessary resources to ensure that the event reflects the importance of the baptism site and strengthens Jordan’s position as a destination for pilgrims seeking to visit places associated with Christian heritage.

The meeting reviewed a series of proposed development projects around the Baptism Site. These include an integrated village for Christian pilgrims and visitors, a museum dedicated to the Baptism of Jesus Christ, a green corridor and improvements to infrastructure and visitor facilities.

The committee also called for the creation of specialised subcommittees to oversee the implementation of various projects, with assistance from experts and specialists.

The National Committee is chaired by the prime minister and includes the ministers responsible for Government Communication, Interior, Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and Tourism and Antiquities.

Christian representation on the committee includes 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.

The committee also includes representatives of the Baptism Site Development Foundation, the Baptism Site Commission and the Jordan Tourism Board, along with Nadim Al-Mauasher, Osama Imseeh and Basem Farraj.

The 2030 commemoration is expected to place Jordan’s Al-Maghtas site at the centre of international Christian pilgrimage and provide an opportunity to highlight the country’s Christian heritage and its message of religious coexistence.

Courtesy: Vatican News