Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – Dialogue is the "key word" for a more effective and correct behavior when dealing with interreligious relations within Indonesian society, even in a context where there is tension: this is what was stated in a recent meeting organized by the “Jakarta Christian Communication Forum”, which brings together community members of all Christian denominations. At the conclusion of the "ecumenical month (May), the forum held a discussion meeting entitled " The tolerance between faiths in a pluralistic nation: key to peace and development ". Local Catholic sources refer to Fides that over 160 other Christian leaders have recognized the importance of an attitude of dialogue and tolerance, that helps calm down tension and build peace and harmony in the nation.
Even Din Syamsuddin, leader of the "Muhammadiyah, the second Islamic organization in Indonesia (with over 30 million followers),was invited to speak at the meeting and stressed the urgency of dialogue " even with radical groups ", noting that both Muslims and Christians have to face the question of Muslim extremists.
The presence of radical groups and religious tensions remains an open question, he said. The friction is a result of a populist approach to religion, next to a dogmatic rigidity that focuses only on the needs of their group, without feeling “empathy” toward others. In those places and moments of tension – as what happens in the suburbs of Jakarta - the mediating role of the government remains essential, since " dialogue becomes a matter of national interest".
Rev. Andrew Yewangoe, leader of the "Indonesian Communion of Churches" has nevertheless stressed the necessary autonomy of the Church as regards to the state, because "if the Church is co-opted by the state it loses its prophetic voice", with which it has to preach the Gospel values such as peace , harmony, reconciliation, love of one`s neighbor. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 07/06/2011)
