'One thing must be said: God needs no defender'<\/p>\n
As Indonesia hosted last week an Asia-Europe interfaith forum,
\nbringing together representatives from 39 countries, a group of
\npeople attacked the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI). None
\nof the attackers were apprehended, while the authorities banned
\nthe movement. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their comments
\non freedom of religion.<\/p>\n
Ignatius Erick, 25, is a trainee at a private bank. He lives
\nin Serpong, Tangerang:<\/p>\n
In regards to the attack on the compound of the so-called
\nheretical JAI, I think there is only one thing to say: God needs
\nno defender.<\/p>\n
Freedom of religious expression correlates with tolerance. In
\nIndonesia, when we speak of tolerance it is always about the
\nminority respecting the majority, or anyone who holds power for
\nthat matter.<\/p>\n
Why don't we try to reverse the concept?<\/p>\n
If it were the majority paying respect to the minority,
\ninstead of always demanding respect, that would show a great deal
\nmore tolerance.<\/p>\n
That way, expressing one's faith would never spark unnecessary
\nviolence.<\/p>\n
Umi, 17, volunteers for a non-governmental organization. She
\nlives in Pamulang, Tangerang:<\/p>\n
I express what I believe and I think all people have the right
\nto freedom of expression, regardless of their belief.<\/p>\n
And, I have no problem if a person wants to preach that their
\nway is the only way. However, they should not force others to
\nfollow them.<\/p>\n
We have seen cases where religious freedom has been denied,
\neven in the capital. I think Indonesians need to have a broader
\nperspective on religious matters.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/one-thing-must-be-said-god-needs-no-defender-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }