Religious differences must not disturb unity: Soeharto<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has reminded Indonesians that
\nconflicts among followers of the same religion can often be more
\nserious than inter-religious disputes.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday
\nat the State Palace Friday evening, the President said that he
\nonce again called on the nation to live in harmony.<\/p>\n
Soeharto said that Indonesia's diversity is reflected in the
\nreality that there are various religious creeds here and
\ndifferent contingencies within each given religion.<\/p>\n
"Differences in religious belief and in the way one
\nunderstands religious teachings should not push us into
\nantagonism," he said.<\/p>\n
The President said that religion is a question of personal
\nbeliefs and the relationship between an individual and God.
\n"Therefore, as I have said repeatedly there is no way the
\ngovernment will intervene in the internal affairs of a religion."<\/p>\n
Soeharto said that Islam respects freedom of worship while the
\nKoran, the Moslem holy book, teaches that coercion plays no role
\nin religious belief.<\/p>\n
He also reminded that the Prophet Muhammad taught that
\ndifference of opinion among his followers was a blessing.<\/p>\n
"It is surely a blessing if we are wise enough in handling the
\ndifferences."<\/p>\n
The President also said that in commemorating Muhammad's
\nbirthday, Moslems should ask themselves how serious they have
\ntried to follow in the footsteps of God's messenger.<\/p>\n
"There is no journey's end in the effort to take lessons from
\nthe Prophet's philosophy on life, especially the aspects of his
\nmodesty. We can also learn from his virtue of patience," he said.<\/p>\n
The Prophet's birthday is commemorated annually at the State
\nPalace and other Islamic holidays at the Istiqlal grand mosque.
\nFriday's celebration was also attended by Vice President Try
\nSutrisno, cabinet ministers and diplomats from Moslem countries.
\n(tis)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/religious-differences-must-not-disturb-unity-soeharto-1447893297",
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