ASIA/INDONESIA - Violence on the faithful and demolition of churches: intolerance in Aceh increases

Wednesday, 28 October 2015 intollerance   violence   local churches   islam  

Banda Aceh (Agenzia Fides) - The demolition of three small Christian religious buildings (two protestant, one Catholic) in the Indonesian province of Aceh on the island of Sumatra, and the flight of about 8,000 faithful, following the violence of Islamic radicals cause "deep concern for the safety of thousands of Christians who are in danger": writes Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, leader of the World Council of Churches. Christians in Aceh Singkil were forced to flee, following the destruction of small churches, in the wake of violent protests against Christian worship and against the Christian presence in the villages of the district. The demolition was authorized by local officials because the buildings were built "without a regular license".
In a note sent to Fides, rev. Olav Fykse Tveit condemned "the recent attacks on churches and Christians in the province of Aceh, as they strive to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The World Council of Churches deplores violence against people and communities on the basis of their religious identity and calls on the Indonesian government to act quickly to bring those responsible to justice".
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the national police to take immediate action to stop the violence and promote peace. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) condemned the attack and called on Muslims in Aceh not to participate in any activities that might stir up a conflict of greater magnitude between the Muslim and Christian communities in the region.
In Aceh the shariah (Islamic law) is in force, and to carry out any religious act, churches must be authorized and registered. To obtain a building permit, at least 90 signatures of faithful residents are needed. According to Fides sources, the authorities will demolish about ten places of worship, opened without permission.
In recent days, on 23 October the new Penal Code entered into force in the province, based on the sharia, which provides severe punishments such as flogging, for a number of practices considered "crimes" such as homosexual relationships, alcohol consumption, gambling, adultery, sexual harassment and rape. The measures apply only to Muslims and not to religious minorities, but the local Christians are still concerned about the growing climate of intolerance. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2015)


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