Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – “Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. We are grateful to the Holy Father for choosing to offer us some reflections on this question: this will be most useful for Indonesia”: Speaking with Fides, Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta, welcomed the theme of the Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the next World Day for Peace, 1 January 2011, “Religious freedom, the path to peace ”.
“For the people of Indonesia, it is always good to discuss such an important and sensitive matter and to make it the subject of reflection in a contest where the right to religious freedom is often difficult to fully live and achieve”, the Archbishop told Fides.
The Catholic Church in Indonesia is very active in the field of interreligious dialogue, working with the respect and protection guaranteed by Pancasila, the five basic laws of the state, which outline a secular state, although the population is 85% Muslim.
The Archbishop continued: “It should be said that the question of religious freedom, under its many aspects, is very often the theme of discussions, meetings, reflection among religious leaders, in civil society and even at the level of politics. It is good that people speak about this matter and that it raises queries and discussion and becomes a matter for dialogue. Despite everything, in Indonesia difficulties of historical, social and political origin still exist”.
Archbishop Suharyo concludes: “I am certain that this reflection by the Holy Father, which we will study and discuss and strive to diffuse among other religious communities, will help us improve our relations with other religious leaders and communities”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2010)
