JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Dozens of Christians held prayers inside their boarded-up church near Indonesia’s capital Sunday, saying they had as much right as anyone to worship in the world’s most populous Muslim country.
AP
They were surrounded by hundreds of police and unarmed security guards.
Using bullhorns, local officials reminded members of the Batak Christian Protestant Church they were banned from the site following an attack on two church leaders by suspected Islamic hard-liners.
“We just want to carry out our obligations as Christians, but authorities are treating us like terrorists,” said Advent Tambunan, a member of the congregation in the industrial city of Bekasi.
“There’s no justice for us in this country.”
Indonesia, a secular country of 237 million people, has more Muslims than any other in the world. Though the country has a long history of religious tolerance, a small extremist fringe has become more vocal — and violent — in recent years.
Ten people were arrested after last week’s attacks, which left one churchgoer hospitalized with a stab wound. Among them was the local leader of the hard-line Islamic Defender’s Front, which has led calls for the Christians to leave.
In recent months, the hard-liners have thrown shoes and water bottles at the church members, interrupted sermons with chants of “Infidels!” and dumped piles of feces on the land.
Local officials had seven empty buses on standby outside the Batak Christian’s shuttered church Sunday, ready to transport them to an alternate site of worship provided by the government.
But members of the congregation, numbering about 100, refused to budge.
After lengthy negotiations, they were allowed to carry out Sunday services, with the agreement that they would talk later this week about ways to help defuse religious tensions in the neighborhood.
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Comments (48)
Navyveteran
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:16pmKeep repeating to yourself that Islam is a peaceful religion. This is not an isolated case on how Muslims spread the brotherly love around, and how tolerant they are to other religions and people
Report Post »unionrockstar
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 5:40pmI will repeat what I posted on another story,
We had a converted Muslim speak at our Christian Church
Her exact words were “if a Muslim says they do not hate Christians…DO NOT BELIEVE THEM”
Report Post »ensemble
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 5:15pmThe sheer bravery and committment of these people is so honorable. They face violence everyday and still stand by what they believe in. It is amazing.
Report Post »unionrockstar
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 5:34pmSo true, would we do the same?
Report Post »adifftake
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:59pmSo the only question I have is: what do you think the terrifically evil act will be, that will move the governments of the world to unite to rid the world of all the haters in all religions? It’s coming! When it does remember, flee to the only Christians that don’t go into hiding, who put thier faith in Jesus as the Son of God, and preach His Kingdom as the answer to the problems we all face.
Report Post »jds7171
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:19pmI just find it funny how the muslim world uses Indonesia for an example on Muslim tolerance
Report Post »Hadassah
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 11:33amIn 1998, Omar Ahmad, CAIR’s board chairman (Council on American-Islamic Relations,spin-off of a Hamas front group) stated that, “Islam is not in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Qur’an should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth.” This is the reality, whether it be a moderate or extremist Muslim. Any follower of the Qur’an understands this as truth.
Report Post »Contrarian51
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 11:09amI can get from Islam to Progressive with only 2 degrees of separation.
Islam —> Hypocrite —> Progressive
Eat my dust, Kevin Bacon fans.
Report Post »dteam270
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:58amI think it demonstrates that there is no such thing as moderate muslims. Again I pose the question.Name one muslim controlled country that is tolerant to other religions. The only reason that muslims in this country appear to be moderate is that they don’t posses the power of control. Simple.
Report Post »dizzyinthedark
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 11:12amAMEN! Islam is not a religion, it is an ideology. moohamed is a pedophile and the people tripping over his every word are zombies that have drunk the kool aide. Tolerant my foot! Keep it up America and allow islam to continue practicing it‘s cult here under the guise of a ’peaceful religion’ (they know we embrace all religions, so we must embrace theirs–rubbish!). Stand up for what is right and it is not right to allow a cult that is bent on taking over, destroying nations (Israel and America). They need the softer side of islam to continue to preach to all of us that islam is ‘a peaceful religion’ that there are ‘moderate’ muslims, as O’Reilly will continually cram down our throats so as to keep us distracted from what is truly going on–a movement that is seeping in called Sharia Law that will be used against us over and over. CAIR continually will bring lawsuits against anyone standing against the wearing of a burka or scarf, lost production time of workers due to numerous times they pray per day, muslim propaganda books in middle schools, etc. that most employers will just concede and allow ‘them’ to have their way because of the money lost from the company (and CAIR uses this as a tool–very clever). This is how ‘they’ seep in and take over. WAKE UP! Then they use the ‘fatwah’ to keep those who speak against moohamed as another tool/weapon. Where’s the President admonishing those who threaten our citizens who can speak freely? Where’s the outrage America! Where are the multitudes gathering to speak against islam in this country? Get educated about islam from someone who went undercover and got the info straight from the devil’s mouth, CAIR, themselves! Read Muslim Mafia by David Gaubautz. Start there and do your own investigation. Then don’t waste another minute of time because they are creeping in as fast as this government is cramming issues down our throats!
Report Post »Buck Bagaw
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:21amThis will happen anyplace that muslims become a significant percentage of the population. In the USA, where the islamic population is less than one percent, they have to resort to cowardly ambushes and “peaceful”demonstrations against “intolerance” of their perverted beliefs. In Europe the percentage of muslims to the “infidel” is much higher so the demonstrations are more violent. They are playing a numbers game,and if we look to Indionesia we will see what can happen when they get the upper hand.
Tolerance is the last virtue of a dying society: Aristotle
Report Post »Citizen
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 10:07amBuck I dont think that is an actual quote of aristotle, I have read a bunch of his stuff and never saw it.
It might be a propaganda quote, so you may want to look into it for yourself.
Report Post »Neroli
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:20amAll we want on New York is to move the location of the mosque from ground zero , not prevent the freedom TO worship . But in a predominantly Muslim country Christians are not allowed to worship …….Tolerance? Things that make you go Hmmm.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:08amIs there such a thing as a moderate Muslim? I am beginning to wonder if there really is.
Report Post »toongoon
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 10:12amModerate mooselems are called “sleeper cells”.
Report Post »belleharbor
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:59amislam is out of touch with PEACE they are the new race haters just like Hitler was and when we finally woke up we had to fight them so lets get after them now sorry left wing loons we need to protect freedom from worm like weasels slipping into our fiber of life only to try to change it.we the peaceful ones are begin set up to be take down.
Report Post »MJ1025
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:53amWhere is Obama on this? His stepdad and siblings are from Indonesia. Isn’t he supposed to be a Christian?
Report Post »Why isn’t the imam who wants the mosque at Ground Zero all over the horror of this?
Islam mean submission. There is no peace unless all submit.
Islam is the only so-called religion that preaches killing of non-converters. Only some of the non-converters who can pay taxes are allowed to live as second class citizens.
PATRICKHENERY
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:33amTHE ARMY OF ISLAM IS ON THE MARCH. CONVERT OR DIE. 10,000 in the U.S Military alone. HUMMMM! I wonder who they will turn on?
PH “GMLOGMD”
Report Post »fastback
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:44amMore of the religion of peace nonsense. When will the world wake up to the fact that muslims are a dangerous satanic cult in sheeps clothing. Why is it that no other religion can practice their faith where muslims are present? Muslims are going to be the scurge of the world , sad fact is that they breed like rats and will take over by sheer numbers.
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:30amThe religion of “pieces” because that is all that is left after their murder vests go off. Islam = Evil , end of story. Semper Fi.
Report Post »swkimbl
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 5:12amAre these the tolerant peace loving musilms that Obama says we have to inbrace?
Report Post »DGroundhog
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:56amMore proof of Islamic bigotry, hate and violence.
….but those Tea Party people with their Red White and Blue costumes are the REAL threat to the country. All the liberal talking heads say so.
Report Post »30moves
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 7:44pmHow can we deal with terrorism if the jack-boot of political correctness is on the throat of free-speech?
The media never reports on this but they call the TEA Party violent.
First they called us “fat, old, white people” – now we are anarchists?
What, we throw flaming bottles of Maalox?
Curse people with polyester?
Threaten them with Metamucil?
Truth will out.
Report Post »RealityCheck
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:51am“After lengthy negotiations, they were allowed to carry out Sunday services, with the agreement that they would talk later this week about ways to help defuse religious tensions in the neighborhood.”
This says it all. People want you dead and you have to be the one to relieve the tension. How about these so called tolerant muslims stand up to the extremest few? Or is it the majority?
Report Post »Mcdriver
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:19amI wonder, maybe the peaceful, tolerant majority is not only invisible but non-existent except in stories to cover up the actual facts of the muslim faith.
Report Post »leftylemn
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:48amOh, so all we have to do to stop the mosque on ground zero is throw shoes and water bottles at the members, interrupt sermons with chants of “Infidels!” and dump piles of feces on the land. Nobody seems to be upset with this type of behavior. Silly Americans asking that the mosque be moved a few blocks seems so unreasonable by comparrison.
Report Post »krenshau
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:47amAnother example of how tolerant Islam is.
Report Post »carol m
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:43amNo this can’t be, not the religion of peace, tolerance and womans rights (not). I know I am gonna get blasted for this remark but the more I read about this religion the more I feel it is of the evil one. All you hear about it the muslims being violent, what does that tell you?
Report Post »Rubicon
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:20amI’m with you Carol. Where are the Muslim leaders speaking on behalf of the so called “moderate” muslims, why haven’t I heard any of them condemning these types of actions, why aren‘t the imam’s voicing how tolerant their religions is and to ask muslims to show tolerant and peace. I suspect because true muslims know that there can never be peace until they have converted or got rid of any non-believers.
Report Post »PostProgressiveAmerican
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:01amA preview of America’s future?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3yZeUZYkVQ&feature=related
Report Post »PostProgressiveAmerican
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 6:53amOriginally posted under the Clinton article by mistake:
If you think this is an isolated incident in one small country carried out by a tiny fringe group, think again. A few sites you might want to look at if you have some time:
http://www.jihadwatch.org/
http://cicentre.net/wordpress/ (several related topics undet the “Top Tags” section o the right of the screen)
http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/
http://www.answeringmuslims.com/
http://www.aina.org/
http://www.shariahfinancewatch.org/
There are many, many more. Countries around the globe are dealing with these issues…America is not alone.
Report Post »onestepcloser
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 8:40amMega dittos! The only thing these people are tolerant of is others walking on eggshells to accomodate their demands. They threaten violence on whims w/ their “Rageboy syndrome”. You show me a peace loving, tolerant muslim & they’ll certainly be the MINORITY. Should we start the clock ticking until the Ground Zero Mosque crew has someone come out to denounce the Violent Intolerant Christian hating Muslims.
Report Post »Eagle07
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:14amHow come the “messiah” Hasn’t spoken out against this? Oh right the Muslims are in the wrong.
Report Post »Silversmith
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:45amThis is coming to a city near YOU. That is unless we start dealing with Islam for what it is — a competing form of government. This is a great video showing the progression of Islam’s occupation in the world and what to expect in an unenlightened future
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEXWjlgJ83E
Silversmith
Report Post »carrera
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 10:29amCarolM- http://www.thereligionofpeace.com Christians and Jews are being murdered at a chilling rate, ethnic cleansing is rampant, all at the hands of the religion of peace. Sharia Law is being implemented by force, Canada, Australia and the United States have allowed this creeping sharia into every area of our Governments and public schools. Louisiana has already made “foreign laws” illegal and Oklahoma has it on their November ballots, every State needs to protect it’s citizens from Sharia law and every State needs to protect itself from our current Federal Government.
Report Post »Red Blooded
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 11:13amI would like to point out, that the term “moderate muslim” doesn’t exist outside the U.S., it is simply a ploy to take the last stand for freedom, one inch at a time…
Report Post »carol m
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:38amAdd your comments
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:18amHow does the Nobel winner Indonesian imbecile feel about this?
Report Post »I’d like to hear his words of wisdom about the religion of peace & tolerance
and how Christians have a right to worship wherever they want in a muslim country .
PachiSusan
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 1:12amThis makes me so sad. No one should have to hide away to worship their God. :(
Report Post »bookhound63
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 9:24amIt makes me sad, and angry! In American, when we don’t want a Mosque at Ground Zero, we protest. In a Muslim country when they don’t want a church in a Muslim neighborhood, they stab the pastor.This is what happens when Muslims take over a country. The more powerful they are, the more they abuse non-Muslims.
Report Post »Don’t let the Ground Zero Mosque leader cow us into silence. NO MOSQUE!
TheProperBostonian
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 2:16pmNot to worry, though, it is just a few radical Islamists causing problems.
Report Post »TeaPartyTim
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:00pmMuslims claim that Islam is peaceful religion. How come I am having a hard time believing it?
Report Post »