Crisis in Indonesia – March 19, 2007
3/23/2007
NEWS FROM THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MISSION CENTER (OCMC)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crisis in Indonesia – March 19, 2007
The
Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia (Ecumenical
Patriarchate) wishes to issue the following statement, concerning
situations in Indonesia.
The Orthodox Christians in Indonesia
have joined the list of those attacked by Muslim extremists. Father
Methodios Sri Gunarjo, his family and other Orthodox were terrorized
and threatened this past weekend. Although there are no reports of
physical harm at this point, the verbal, psychological and other forms
of abuse continue. At one point, a knife was put to the throat of
Father Methodios, as his attackers demanded that he close the Churches
in the Boyolali area of Central Java. It should be noted that there is
a thriving ministry in this area.
A large group of Muslim
protestors has gathered in the Church area and continues making demands
upon Father Methodios and the Church community. The attackers are not
from Boyolali, as local Christians and Muslims have joined in showing
their support for Father Methodios, who is noted for the love and
compassion he has shown all people in the area. Father Methodios and
his family have been forced to leave their home, as their lives have
now been threatened. The attackers have also promised to purge the area
of Christians.
Metropolitan Nikitas has not been able to contact
Father Methodios directly, although he is in constant communication
with other clergy in Indonesia. He has requested that people pray for
peace and an end to the violence and attacks upon the Church community.
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