Jordan's king talks Islamic moderation to evangelical Christian group

Published: 2006-02-03

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan took his efforts to promote moderation in Islam to the evangelical-dominated National Prayer Breakfast in Washington Feb. 2, earning a standing ovation with a speech that quoted the Bible as much as the Quran. He called upon people of faith to witness to its positive role in public life by being an example of "the principles transgressed by those who oppose us." "In every generation, people of faith are tested," King Abdullah said. "In our generation, the greatest challenge comes from violent extremists who seek to divide and conquer. Extremism is a political movement under religious cover. "Its adherents want nothing more than to pit us against each other, denying all that we have in common," he continued. "We must therefore heed the words of the New Testament: 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'"

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .