Preserving religious harmony<\/p>\n
In his address at the opening of the twelfth meeting of the
\nConfederation of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), in Jayapura on
\nFriday, Vice President Try Sutrisno asked citizens to avoid
\nnegative preconceptions and mistrust, because of the harm they
\ncould do to the sense of unity and cohesion among us,
\nparticularly fellow religious believers.<\/p>\n
One of the reasons for the rise of narrow fanaticism is the
\ngrowth of uncertainties and dissatisfactions over issues that are
\ninfused with contradictions, inconsistencies and injustices in
\nreligious and social life.<\/p>\n
The feeling of incompetence in trying to overcome such
\nobstacles brings about reactions that lead to a hardening of
\nstance, extremism and an uncompromising attitude.<\/p>\n
Therefore, it is the responsibility of religious leaders to
\ntry to eliminate, or at least ease, such contradictions and
\ninjustices in order to prevent such feelings of narrow fanaticism
\nfrom emerging.<\/p>\n
In addition, we should guard against people or parties who,
\nfor whatever purpose, try to manipulate such differences among
\nthe believers of the various religions to undermine the spirit of
\ngoodwill and harmony.<\/p>\n
-- Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/preserving-religious-harmony-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }