Church leaders send joint Xmas message
Church leaders send joint Xmas message
JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in Indonesia made a joint appeal yesterday to their flock to celebrate this Christmas by showing solidarity with fellow human beings, particularly those who are less fortunate.
"Let us truly experience brotherhood and solidarity with all fellow compatriots, and together build a more prosperous future," according to the joint message by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI).
While their message urged Christian and Roman Catholics to worship Jesus Christ and to reflect their joy this Christmas, it also contained various social messages.
"We worship God because His deeds were for mankind's salvation. He respected every human being, although among them there were differences, in religion, ethnicity, race, and social grouping," according to the statement, a copy of which was made available to the press yesterday.
"Worshiping God must be truly reflected in our faith, that every person is entitled to the same respect and dignity.
"Based on this faith, we support efforts that stress prosperity for all mankind, and cultivate solidarity in all aspect of society's life," said the statement by PGI chairman Sularso Sopater and KWI chief Yulius Bishop Darmaatmadja.
Christians and Roman Catholics must reflect their faith in their social behavior, "through the services in education and health - including in containing the spread of HIV/AIDS and in treating those who have HIV/AIDS - and through giving more attention to our lesser fortunate brothers and sisters."
"Misfortune, poverty and deprivation are not consistent with the intentions of God in creating mankind," they added.
The statement underlined that equality of all human beings as God's creation is at the foundation of citizens' human rights, particularly their right to live, to practice their religion and to raise a family in accordance with their faith.
"These rights are not given by the state or society. They are owned by people from the moment they are created.
"That is why we are called to continue with the endeavor to ensure that these rights are guaranteed and protected, wherever they live, taking into account the social and cultural settings.
The message appealed to Protestants and Roman Catholics to be "critical and responsible" in their lives, amidst the growing dominance of power, wealth and the use of science and knowledge that does not necessary encourage a harmonious coexistence." (01/emb)