via INDONESIA Islamists against Catholics in Central Java, Christmas celebrations in jeopardy – Asia News.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – For Catholics in
Ungaran (Central Java), Christmas is in jeopardy because of threats from
the extremist Islamic Defence Front (FPI). Since the local grand mosque
is located on the centrally located Sidomulyo Square, where Christians
are preparing to celebrate Christmas with Masses and prayers, Muslims
fundamentalists have threatened to stop all celebrations. A big meeting
in front of the mosque has already been announced for the afternoon of
Christmas Eve.
Central Java FPI leader Jindan Bahrul
warned Christians that an open-air Mass in front of the mosque would
“not be a good example of [interfaith] tolerance” before Christmas.
“Other possible locations exist,” he said, adding that Christians
“should go elsewhere”. Indeed, Christmas Eve’s big prayer meeting in
front of Ungaran’s Grand Mosque should be reason enough for Christians
to pause.
However, regency police said that they
would stop the Islamists if they acted, by force if necessary. Although
no public official personally made the announcement to avoid
retaliation, the statement does indicate the authorities’ intention to
stand their ground even against a leading mosque leader in Ungaran.
For its part, the local administration
noted that the Catholic community had applied and obtained the necessary
permits for Christmas celebrations within the required timespan. “We
gave the request due attention,” said Abdullah Maskur, a local top
official, “and decided to issue the necessary permits after consulting
all parties.”
Indonesia is the most populous Muslim
nation in the world. Whilst its constitution recognises the principle of
religious freedom, attacks and violence against minorities, be they
Christians, Ahmadi Muslims or members of other religions, have become
very frequent.
In Aceh Province, Sharia is in place, the
only jurisdiction in the entire nation to have done so. Under Islamist
influence, a more radical and extremist vision of the faith is being
imposed on residents in many areas.
Increasingly, laws, rules and regulations
like building permits are being used selectively to prevent the
construction of Christian places of worship or prevent Christians from
using those they already have. This has been done in Bogor Regency (West
Java) against members of the Yasmin Church.
And in the U.S. the interfaith racket is big business with
Muslims cashing in, mainly with government cash, access to high ranking
government officials and jobs. More via Islamists Exploiting the Interfaith Racket.
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