Churches reject Papuan separatists<\/p>\n
JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): All 11 Protestant denominations
\nhere have declared their rejection of the separatist movement,
\nbut vowed to maintain truth and justice for the sake of peace in
\nthe restive province.<\/p>\n
Rev. John Imbiri, secretary of the synod of the Evangelical
\nChristian Church (GKI), told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that
\nthe rejection was clear evidence that the churches took a neutral
\nstance in the political fray that has long battered the
\neasternmost province.<\/p>\n
Imbiri said that the declaration signed by church leaders
\nwould be made public soon. \"People want to know whether the
\nchurches reject or support the demand for independent West
\nPapua.\"<\/p>\n
The declaration says that the independence demand was an old
\nissue. \"The desire has become stronger following injustice and
\nhuman rights violation for more than 30 years. But the churches
\ndo not take sides with any group.\"<\/p>\n
The declaration also says that Church is \"to proclaim the
\narrival of the Kingdom of God along with its values like truth,
\njustice, peace and rejoicing.\"<\/p>\n
Enhancing truth and justice is the prerequisite for peace, the
\nchurch leaders said, \"therefore, the churches reject any attempt
\nto oppose the value of truth and justice\".<\/p>\n
The churches will continue raising a prophetic voice against
\nany institutions or individuals when dignity is not respected by
\nrights violations, discrimination and any form of injustice, the
\nstatement said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile in Sentani, some 30 kilometers south of here, some
\n2,500 people attended the first ever Papuan Congress, which was
\nopened on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The congress, sponsored by the Institute of the Papuan
\nAssembly, was aimed at finding peaceful solutions to the
\nlingering problems in Papua.<\/p>\n
Twenty-eight leading figures of the Free Papua Movement (OPM),
\nwho live in Papua New Guinea (PNG) also attended the congress,
\nwhich will end on Feb. 26.<\/p>\n
Frans Albert Yoku, leader of the PNG delegation, told the Post
\nthat the delegation consisted of residents of Irian Jaya (West
\nPapua) who escaped to PNG for survival. \"We come to give
\nnecessary contributions to the struggle of West Papuan
\nindependence,\" Frans said.<\/p>\n
The church leaders earlier called on the provincial and
\nJakarta authorities to let the congress be held in order to give
\nPapuans the chance to promote democracy and human rights. (eba)<\/p>",
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