Church leaders send joint Xmas message<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the Protestant and Roman Catholic
\nchurches in Indonesia made a joint appeal yesterday to their
\nflock to celebrate this Christmas by showing solidarity with
\nfellow human beings, particularly those who are less fortunate.<\/p>\n
\"Let us truly experience brotherhood and solidarity with all
\nfellow compatriots, and together build a more prosperous future,\"
\naccording to the joint message by the Communion of Churches in
\nIndonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI).<\/p>\n
While their message urged Christian and Roman Catholics to
\nworship Jesus Christ and to reflect their joy this Christmas, it
\nalso contained various social messages.<\/p>\n
\"We worship God because His deeds were for mankind's
\nsalvation. He respected every human being, although among them
\nthere were differences, in religion, ethnicity, race, and social
\ngrouping,\" according to the statement, a copy of which was made
\navailable to the press yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"Worshiping God must be truly reflected in our faith, that
\nevery person is entitled to the same respect and dignity.<\/p>\n
\"Based on this faith, we support efforts that stress
\nprosperity for all mankind, and cultivate solidarity in all
\naspect of society's life,\" said the statement by PGI chairman
\nSularso Sopater and KWI chief Yulius Bishop Darmaatmadja.<\/p>\n
Christians and Roman Catholics must reflect their faith in
\ntheir social behavior, \"through the services in education and
\nhealth - including in containing the spread of HIV\/AIDS and in
\ntreating those who have HIV\/AIDS - and through giving more
\nattention to our lesser fortunate brothers and sisters.\"<\/p>\n
\"Misfortune, poverty and deprivation are not consistent with
\nthe intentions of God in creating mankind,\" they added.<\/p>\n
The statement underlined that equality of all human beings as
\nGod's creation is at the foundation of citizens' human rights,
\nparticularly their right to live, to practice their religion and
\nto raise a family in accordance with their faith.<\/p>\n
\"These rights are not given by the state or society. They are
\nowned by people from the moment they are created.<\/p>\n
\"That is why we are called to continue with the endeavor to
\nensure that these rights are guaranteed and protected, wherever
\nthey live, taking into account the social and cultural settings.<\/p>\n
The message appealed to Protestants and Roman Catholics to be
\n\"critical and responsible\" in their lives, amidst the growing
\ndominance of power, wealth and the use of science and knowledge
\nthat does not necessary encourage a harmonious coexistence.\"
\n(01\/emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/church-leaders-send-joint-xmas-message-1447893297",
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