Jordan's government has approved proposed legal changes that would give Christian families more control over inheritance arrangements and allow the legal adoption of children within the Christian community for the first time.
The amendments, approved by the Cabinet and now awaiting parliamentary consideration, would enable Christians to manage inheritance matters through officially recognised wills issued by church courts. The move is seen as a significant development for Christian families who have long sought alternatives to the country's standard inheritance system.
Under the current framework, inheritance is generally governed by Islamic Sharia regulations. This means male heirs typically receive a larger share than female relatives, and where a family has only daughters, part of the estate may be allocated to a male relative outside the immediate family. If the proposed reforms become law, Christians who prepare a legally recognised will would be able to distribute their assets according to their wishes.
Christian leaders have largely welcomed the government's decision. Retired Major General Imad Ma'ayeh, who heads the Evangelical Churches in Jordan, described the changes as a positive step. He said the recognition of wills and adoption would help many families and provide greater protection for children within Christian households.
Supporters of the reform say it will particularly benefit families with daughters by giving parents more flexibility in determining how their estates are shared. They believe the changes could help address concerns about the inheritance rights of women and ensure assets remain within the immediate family if desired.
The initiative follows nearly two years of discussions involving Christian representatives, lawmakers and church leaders. Efforts were led by prominent public figures and supported by a committee that worked closely with members of Jordan's Christian community.
According to those involved in the process, the use of a will would remain optional. Families choosing not to create a church-recognised will would continue to have inheritance matters handled under the existing legal system.
Many Christians in Jordan have long called for reforms that would provide equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters. However, some landowners and tribal figures have expressed reservations about changes that would reduce the traditional preference given to male heirs.
Members of Parliament supporting the bill say it respects the religious and social traditions of Jordan's diverse communities while giving Christian families greater freedom to organise their personal affairs. They describe the proposal as an important response to concerns raised by Christians over many years.
Some church leaders, while welcoming the reforms, have said they would have preferred stronger measures to guarantee complete equality between men and women in inheritance matters.
The legislation would also introduce a legal framework for adoption within Christian families, an issue that has not previously been addressed in Jordanian law. Supporters say the measure could provide stability and legal protection for children while meeting the needs of Christian households seeking to adopt.
Discussions are also continuing on how the reforms can be applied across different Christian denominations, including churches that currently lack their own ecclesiastical courts. Church representatives are working to develop a unified approach that would ensure all Christians can access the same legal mechanisms for personal status matters.
Advocates of the reforms hope the legislation will be fully implemented within the coming months. They have also called for greater cooperation among Jordan's Christian denominations as they work together on issues affecting the wider Christian community.
Adapted from reporting by Christian Daily International.
