Hamed Sinno, 24, lead singer and song writer of the Lebanese group Mashrou' Leila performs with the band in the ancient Roman amphitheater in the Jordanian capital Amman. The popular Lebanese rock band says Jordanian authorities have banned it from performing again because its songs promote religious and sexual freedom. (AP Photo/Diaa Hadid)

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan has banned a performance by a popular Lebanese rock band on religious grounds, spurring criticism of the Western-allied kingdom, which portrays itself as an island of tolerance in a turbulent region. The band Mashrou' Leila ("Leila's Project") is known internationally for violin-laced pop music with catchy Arabic lyrics. Songs often tackle controversial subjects such as corruption, censorship, state violence and sexual freedom.

Jordan's Antiquities Department initially said it would not permit a show at the Roman Theater in the capital Amman later this week because it would contradict the "authenticity" of the ancient venue. However, Amman district governor Khalid Abu Zeid told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the band's material "contradicts" the beliefs of the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

by: Claire Schaeffer-Duffy  It is a common paradox that one can find remarkable examples of interfaith cooperation within the most sectarian, conflict-ridden corners of the world. Such is the case with Adyan, a Lebanese foundation promoting interreligious engagement in a region where religious identities are often a source of division. Established in 2008, Adyan’s educational efforts include courses in cross-cultural studies, curriculum development in co-existence, media training, and annually hosting a national day of interfaith prayer.

Adyan’s concept of “spiritual solidarity” undergirds all these efforts. Adyan co-founders Fr. Fadi Daou, a Catholic priest and theology professor, and Nayla Tabbara, a Muslim professor of science of religions and Islamic studies, explain. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Tabbara: The expression itself is not an invention of Adyan. It is taken from the 1994 pastoral letter of the patriarchs of the Orient, “Called Together in Front of God.” The document’s definition of spiritual solidarity is “including the other in my prayer.”