In Indonesia, religious peace is at risk

Berlin (ENI news). Indonesia has seen a sharp increase in religious violence over recent years, with radical Muslim groups targeting both Christians and members of the minority Ahmadiyah community. But at an ecumenical seminar in Germany, the chair of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI) explained that the country’s religious leaders have a common aim in promoting tolerance and harmony.

“Leaders of the Christian community, together with other religious leaders (especially Muslims), have always made an effort to maintain healthy cooperative relationships,” the Rev. Andreas Yewangoe said at Ruhr University, Bochum on 8 November. “The nation’s problems are seen as problems that we must face together.”

Religious plurality has been enshrined in the Indonesian constitution under the national ideal of “unity through diversity” since independence from colonial rule in 1945. There are six officially recognized religions: Islam, ProtestaRead nt Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism, as well many followers of traditional indigenous beliefs. Read more