Fri, 07 Jul 2000

Catholics told to maintain harmony

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: The secretary to Ende Archbishop, priest Josef Seran SVD called on Wednesday for Catholics to maintain brotherhood among people.

"Religious harmony has existed a long time in this country. Therefore, differences must not tear that harmony apart," he said on the sidelines of the 4th Pastoral Congress here on Wednesday.

The five-day congress began on Tuesday.

He said the Catholic Church could strengthen cooperation among religious communities in Flores, citing good relationships between Catholic and Islamic youth organizations.

"Some Catholic youths joined the organizing committee of a Koranic verse reading contest held in Flores recently," he said.

"The preparation of this Pastoral Congress also involved youths from other religions, including Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu organizations." (yac/sur)