News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Aceh-singkil-church-arson-main_article_image.jpg
SembodoTatanws
World News

USA urged to address religious conflicts in Indonesia

by Hannah Tooley

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is asking President Obama to have an honest conversation with President Joko Widodo about conflicts in the country during their meeting this weekend.

Earlier in the week a Protestant Christian Church of Pakpak Dairi (GKPPD) church and a chapel, Undung-undung Katolik Desa Mandumpang, were destroyed by the government in Aceh Singkil.

It has also been reported that at the beginning of the month one man was killed and a church was burnt down during religious clashes.

Violence is thought to have broken out after it was agreed that around 13 local churches would be demolished because they are thought to have been built without permission.

Catholics and Protestants have both returned to their homes however it is still unclear who is behind the attack.

CSW says attacks like this represent a disregard for religious minorities due to the government's lack of action to find and bring to justice those responsible.
 
It has published a special report on Indonesia that details the government's reluctance to act following instances of religious intolerance and violence.
 
Key recommendations in the document include the reform or repeal of laws governing the construction of houses of worship, which discriminate against religious minorities, and to revise the curriculum for religious education.
 
CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said: "Indonesia's tradition of religious pluralism and tolerance has been challenged in recent years and CSW urges President Obama to raise the plight of the country's religious minorities with President Joko Widodo when he visits the US.

"We continue to call on President Widodo to ensure the repeal of discriminatory legislation that affects religious minorities and to ensure that violations of religious freedom are properly investigated and the perpetrators are brought to justice."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate