Christmas, Ramadhan full of blessing
Christmas, Ramadhan full of blessing
The destruction of the Doulos Christian Center on Dec. 15 by
300 neighbors is a tragedy for all Indonesians of every faith.
This arson and knifing attack was indeed a hateful and
unjustifiable act. Amien Rais was 100 percent correct when he
stated: "The attackers have no religious morals."
There can be no justification for such a crime. In their
monthly devotional booklet Segarlah jiwaku ( My soul is
refreshed) and their bulletin Juru Syafaat Nasional (spirituality
and humanity), the Doulos Center teaches good things which help
people grow in their faith and become better, more peaceful, more
prayerful and loving citizens. Here's an example from their
November issue: "A successful Christian leader is one who is able
to associate oneself with people from all walks of life".
The violent act burning the Christian-owned complex, housing
many students in the school of theology and burning also the drug
rehabilitation and psychiatric center, is so out of character for
the special Christmas and Ramadhan season; it provided such
promise of a wonderful opportunity for both religions to
celebrate the blessings of God together.
We can be thankful that the police arrested six of the
attackers, but that is not good enough. Where are the others?
Unless they are arrested and prosecuted as well for their part in
such a heinous crime against God and man, won't this kind of
violence and murder continue as a way of life in Indonesia?
Though I am neither acquainted with, nor connected in any way
with the Doulos organization, I am a former 10-year resident of
East Jakarta and have observed their good work to help those in
need regardless of their religious background. I do hope to come
to Jakarta soon during my three-week Christmas vacation to stand
on that hallowed ground at the Doulos complex for a few silent
moments of meditation, and pray that those who showed no mercy
there may be shown mercy. Some of my fellow teachers have told me
that they are also planning to make such a pilgrimage to the
Doulos complex.
FRANK D. ADAMS
Malang, East Java