Churches call for peace and justice

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)