Christian Hajjis to Jerusalem

An Associated Press report on Christianity in Africa finds widespread affinity for Jews and Israel, as seen by an emphasis on the text of the Old Testament and the giving of Old Testament names to babies. Then this:

Visiting Israel is so important to Nigerian Christians that many put "J.P." - meaning Jerusalem pilgrim - at the end of their names after they travel to the Jewish state, just as Muslims who make the pilgrimage to Mecca add "al Hajj" to their names, [Harvard University expert on African religion Jacob] Olupona said. "The African Christians see the Jewish land as sacred to them, too."

For an example of the "JP" moniker, note this May 2005 report from the African Citizens Development Foundation Newsletter:

three Nigerians, a female and two male from education sector left the shore of the country on March 5, 2005 for Jerusalem for a four-week course in modern learning technology. There were 32 participants from 17 countries in attendance. At the end of the course each participant was honored with the title of Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP).

(July 13, 2006)

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