Two churches in two provinces of Indonesia are moving ahead with construction despite protests from Muslim groups. The case was reported by Morning Star News and published by Christian Daily International on November 13.
In Bandung, in West Java province, hundreds of residents protested on October 30 against the GBI Mekar Wangi church. The congregation has met at the site for two years and is building its permanent building there. Pastor Rubin Adi Abraham said the construction permit was issued at the end of August. On November 1, a special aide to the Minister of Religious Affairs said the construction can proceed.
In Palu, in Central Sulawesi province, residents of the Lolu Selatan neighborhood opposed the construction of the Kasih Anugerah church in September, and the City Council held a public hearing on October 1. After mediation, the construction was allowed to continue. According to Pastor Yosi Sudarmadji, the church has existed for 21 years and has 147 members. The new building will seat 300 people.
In both cases the work goes on, but the protests show the pressure that minority churches face. For the congregations, continuing to build means the chance to have a place of their own to meet.
How to pray
- Thank God that construction of the two churches is moving forward.
- Ask for peace and understanding between the churches and their neighbors, without fear or hostility.
- Pray that the authorities protect the right to worship across the country.
- Intercede that the congregations complete their buildings and be a light in their communities.
Source: Christian Daily International
Illustrative image. Photo: Abror Alarice / Unsplash
