Churches call for peace and justice

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) and the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) issued a year-end 1997 Christmas message yesterday, asking people to come together and create peace, justice and harmony.

The joint message, signed by KWI chairman Yoseph Suwatan and secretary-general J. Hadiwikarta P.R. and PGI chairman Sularso Sopater and secretary-general J.M. Pattiasina, was a two-page statement, popularly known as the Pastoral Letter.

"Christians should, together with other well-meaning Indonesians, put all their efforts into creating peace, prosperity, justice, togetherness and harmony," read the message, Lihatlah, Aku Menjadikan Segala Sesuatu Baru (Look at Me. I am Making Everything New Again).

Antara reported that the message urges Christians to avoid actions which could trigger hostility and the disintegration of the nation, especially as the country prepares for the general meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in March 1998.

"Christians should also respect Indonesian Moslems, who will soon enter the holy fasting month of Ramadhan," the message bid.

KWI and PGI also called on all religious worshipers to continuously improve their physical and mental presence and develop a strong motivation to help promote moral, political, social and family reform.

In another part of the message, both KWI and PGI called on Christians nationwide to, together with others, serve the poor and the forgotten.

"Let us celebrate Christmas 1997 in remembrance of Jesus Christ's presence for peace and harmony in the world," it said. (imn)