GPM congress begins in Maluku<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Saleh Latuconsina opened the 34th
\nMaluku Protestant Church Synod (GPM) Congress in Ambon on Sunday,
\nwith a call for conflicting camps in the province to make peace
\nand to refrain from using religion for political means.<\/p>\n
\"I believe the GPM will continue promoting the unity of
\nIndonesia and reject disintegration. Therefore, I ask Christian
\nleaders to stick to the pure purposes of the religion and avoid
\nmanipulation, exploitation and political maneuvers,\" Latuconsina
\nsaid as quoted by Antara.<\/p>\n
Bloody communal conflicts between Muslims and Christians in
\nMaluku and North Maluku have gradually subsided since breaking
\nout in the middle of January 1999.<\/p>\n
At least 8,000 people have been killed and 230,000 others
\ndisplaced by the violence.<\/p>\n
The 10-day congress is being attended by 400 representatives
\nfrom 25 orders from North Maluku and Maluku, as well as members
\nof the Indonesian Protestant Church and Maluku churches in the
\nNetherlands. They will elect new executives of the GPM Synod for
\nthe next five-year term.<\/p>\n
Among the guests attending the opening ceremony were the
\nsecretary-general of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) in
\nMaluku, Malik Selang, Ambon Mayor Chris Tanasale, Pattimura
\nMilitary Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa, Maluku Police chief
\nBrig. Gen. Firman Gani and the speaker of the provincial
\nlegislature, Zeth Sahuburua.<\/p>\n
Malik expressed hope the congress would bear fruit in
\nrestoring peace in the area.<\/p>\n
\"We wish the congress success in electing new GPM executives
\nand promoting peace among the masses,\" Malik said.<\/p>\n
He added that MUI also supported the Maluku People's Congress,
\nwhich will be held soon.<\/p>\n
Outgoing GPM chief Rev. Sammy Titaley said the congress was
\naimed at finding solutions to the conflict in the Malukus. (edt)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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