Church activists sue regent<\/p>\n
MEDAN, North Sumatra: Protestant church activists have filed a
\nlaw suit with the local administrative court against the regent
\nof North Tapanuli for barring their reverend from leading a mass
\nthis week.<\/p>\n
The regent banned Rev. SAE Nababan from leading the mass on
\nthe grounds that the gathering could spark a physical clash with
\ncongregation of a rival camp within the conflict-ridden Batak
\nToba Protestant Church (HKBP).<\/p>\n
About 5,000 people who had assembled at the Paniaran church in
\nSiborongborong had to go home in disappointment upon hearing that
\nsecurity authorities had stopped Nababan as he entered the town,
\nactivists said.<\/p>\n
The activists considered the local government's barring
\nNababan an \"illegal act\" and demanded Rp 4 million (US$1,800) in
\ncompensation.<\/p>\n
Nababan was the HKBP chief until the military replaced him in
\n1992 with Rev. P.W.T Simanjuntak. The government's intervention
\nintensified the bickering in the HKBP. (aha)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/church-activists-sue-regent-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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