Cancelled Christmas Service in Bandung: Mourning for Loss of Religious Freedom
[Photo from Reformed Injili Events Facebook]
Tonight, an annual Christmas service in Bandung was reduced to a 10-minute candle-light service led by Rev. Stephen Tong.
Reason?
Because, an ‘organisation’ said NO Christian meetings could be held in a ‘public space’, ie. A rented hall (although permits were all complete and approved, unlike what’s reported in the news).
[Taken from intelijen.co.id]
Choir practice was dismissed rudely.
The singing of ‘Silent Night’ while lighting up the candles was yelled at, and told to stop (but the singing only got louder)
The ‘interesting’ thing about all this is, the dismissal was NOT done by the police or government officials. They’re there, but they did NOT stop such acts of intolerance and disrespect towards others (and their religion).
…
I mourn the loss of religious freedom in this country.
Indonesia, a country that is (supposed to be) based on tolerance towards different religions, races and ethnicity.
I question the authority’s lack of intervention.
I long for tolerance and mutual respect.
But at the same time, I know I must learn to love and forgive.
May God help me.
…
Read the official Press Release from STEMI, the organiser of the event >> english.stemi.id
And you know what.
I REFUSE to be afraid.
I REFUSE to be filled with hatred.
I REFUSE to stop having my faith in Christ. Especially NOT when we’re remembering how much God loves us that HE sent Jesus Christ, His only Son to earth.
…
With this, I’d like to invite you all to join ANY Christmas services listed below.
Rev. Stephen Tong will lead a series of Christmas Services across different cities this month.
There’s one in Jakarta on Wednesday, December 21st at PRJ Kemayoran, 6.30pm.
COME and JOIN US!
Christmas, it is about LOVE and PEACE, NOT HATE.
It’s a message we all need right now.
