Urine thrown at Christian congregation in Indonesia

I was sad to learn of this incident where a church near Jakarta, Indonesia, was pelted with urine, drain water and rotten eggs. The attackers outnumbered the congregation by six times. It has been more than a week since the incident and police have not made any arrests although it is clear who are those involved. 


It would be too simplistic to think that the Indonesian police are incompetent. Perhaps they are being held ransom by some Islamist groups who have become stronger than the state in the era of unbridled democracy in Indonesia where everyone holds everyone at some sort of a knife point. 


I hope we don't go down this route where the majority, Christians, Buddhists or even secularists, can lord over the minority and where democracy is the absolute of the majority with no consideration for other views. On the other hand, if we have too strong a state, religious bodies cannot play an active role in society. 


Religious bodies do have a role to play in providing psychological strength and social assistance. Most of all, I would argue that we have a role in politics, but not so much in parliamentary representation and open endorsement of certain parties and politicians. This could be sensitive in a multi-religious society such as Singapore where intentions and words can be twisted for one's ends and feelings inflamed. 


As individuals, we can exercise our votes along the values of Bible, and Church leaders can influence policy-making in their private capacities or asking for closed-door forums with the authorities. Most of all, in periods of crisis and turmoil, religious leaders have a duty to urge for calm and rational actions. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. 

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Islamst Mob Throws Urine at Church in Indonesia
Pastor receives death threat; no arrests so far
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries


JAKARTA, INDONESIA (ANS) -- Compass Direct News (CDN) is reporting that no arrests have been made since 600 Islamists hurled bags filled with urine and ditchwater at about 100 members of a church last week and threatened to kill its pastor.


Police looked on as the mob attacked the Philadelphia Batak Christian Protestant Church worshipping on the street in Bekasi, near Jakarta in West Java Province, on Thursday (May 17), church attorney Saor Siagian told Compass by phone.


The mob, which included the chairman of the Bekasi chapter of the extremist Islamic Defenders Front, began to throw urine, ditchwater, rotten eggs, stones and dirt when Pastor Palti Panjaitan came to address the congregation.
CDN said that the church had to disperse, Siagian said. Pastor Panjaitan told local media he received a death threat and has filed a police complaint. Authorities had asked the church, part of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan denomination and located in Jejalen Raya village, to worship at a site about six miles from church land, Siagian 
said.


“The church applied for a permit to construct its house of worship five years ago as mandated by law. The local administration asked it to shut down in December 2009,” said the story. “The Supreme Court overruled the administration’s decision in July last year, saying the church was eligible for a permit, but due to pressure from Islamist groups, Bekasi officials insist the congregation meet elsewhere.”