Jordan: Gunmen kill mourners at Christian funeral

Jericho, with Jordan seen in the distance. Photo by: Albin Hillert/WCC

Yesterday, October 23, 2026, St George's Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hmoud in Jordan's Karak governate was attacked during a funeral for a community member. Gunmen opened fire, killing eight people and injuring 33 others. The attack lasted several minutes, with survivors describing chaotic scenes of people hiding, screaming, and fleeing. Security camera footage showed three gunmen approaching the church before opening fire.

Jordan's Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya described the attackers as a "group of extremists" and stated that authorities are pursuing the unidentified gunmen. Jordan's King Abdullah II condemned the attack as a "terrorist act" and vowed a harsh response, saying, "The blood of Jordanians is precious, and we will strike those who transgress against this country with an iron fist". The government declared three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-staff.

The community in Karak, which has a sizeable Christian population, has long been known for its interfaith solidarity.

In a message, His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, the members of the Holy Synod, and His Eminence Metropolitan Christophoros, Metropolitan of Jordan, "extend their deepest condolences, to themselves, to the bereaved families of the victims, to the Jordanian people in all their diversity, and to the Hashemite leadership, regarding this grave tragedy. It is a loss that has touched every heart, leaving behind a profound and deeply painful sense of sorrow.

"The Patriarchate condemns this vile, cowardly, and bloody act; which directly struck our community and claimed the lives of martyrs at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Hammoud, Al-Karak, while expressing full confidence in our security services, who possess the professionalism and swiftness required to bring these terrorist criminals to justice.

"Despite the immense pain felt throughout all of Jordan, and by all honorable people across the world, this abhorrent, bloody act will not undermine our national unity or our steadfastness. On the contrary, it only strengthens the bond between Christians and Muslims, uniting us more firmly around our Hashemite leadership. If the intent behind this message is to uproot us from our Holy Land and displace us, it will only serve to strengthen our attachment to it and deepen our roots within it. No matter how intense the events around us may become, or what hardships may befall us, we shall not be driven to leave our land. We are the children of this land, its very roots, and partners in its history, its present, and its future. We shall remain here as witnesses to the faith, regardless of how great the challenges or how severe the trials may be.

"We hold an absolute conviction that our Jordanian society will remain resilient against any dark, extremist ideology, and that this criminal act is entirely alien and contrary to the moderate Islam practiced in our country. We call upon our flock and all the faithful to remain steadfast and to pray during these moments.

May God protect Jordan and the Jordanian people.

Our prayers and supplications are with you.

Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City"

The Latin Patriarchate issued this statement:

"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we received news this afternoon of the merciless terrorist attack targeting the Greek Orthodox Church in the town of Hammoud, Karak. This crime has resulted in fatalities and injuries, violating the sanctity of a place of worship and infringing upon the fundamental human right to life, security, and the freedom to worship with dignity. We condemn this cowardly terrorist act in the strongest possible terms. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, to the residents of Hammoud, and to all our brothers and sisters affected by this grave tragedy. We also offer our prayers to God for the swift recovery of the injured, for patience and solace to be granted to the families of the victims, and for Jordan and its people to be protected from all evil and harm

"In this context, we affirm our profound pride in the historical and national role played by the Hashemite family-led by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein ibn Abdullah II-in consolidating the values of moderation and tolerance, upholding human dignity, and safeguarding the freedom to practice religious rites.

"We further emphasize that the national cohesion of the Jordanian people serves as a vital safeguard against terrorism, extremism, and any attempts to sow division or discord. Jordanians-both Muslims and Christians-form a single national family, united by a shared history and a common destiny, bound together by ties of affection, belonging, and loyalty to their land and their leadership. Moreover, we express our full support for the security services and all those tasked with pursuing the perpetrators who sought to undermine the social peace-a peace in which we have always taken great pride.

"In concluding this statement, we offer our prayers to God Almighty, asking Him to enfold the martyrs in His boundless mercy, grant their families solace and patience, and bring healing to the wounded. We pray that He may protect His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein and his loyal Crown Prince, preserve the blessings of security and stability in Jordan, and safeguard its people from all harm. May this ordeal serve as an occasion to renew our commitment to national unity and coexistence-standing united as one against any who would seek to undermine the security of our homeland or compromise its unity.

"May God protect Jordan-its leadership and its people-sustain the blessings of peace and harmony, and ensure that love and brotherhood remain stronger than terrorism and hatred."

WCC general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay called for prayers from the global WCC fellowship and from all people of good will.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and pray for the healing of the injured. We stand in solidarity with the churches and people of Jordan. The strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims in Jordan will not be shaken by this act of violence. We call for the protection of all places of worship, including churches and mosques, so that all may gather in prayer in peace and safety."

The incident has also been widely condemned by regional and international leaders, including the United Nations and the US embassy in Jordan.