Pesparawi Must Showcase Joy and Deepen Religious Values, Says Minister of Religious Affairs
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasarundin Umar, stated that the organisation of the 14th Church Choir Festival (Pesparawi XIV) in Manokwari, West Papua, must present two main aspects in balance: the festivity of the event and the deepening of religious values.
“Pesparawi must showcase two things. First, festivity as part of religious propagation. Second, the process of deepening and internalising religious values. Festivity without internalisation is wasteful, but internalisation without festivity lacks vibrancy,” said Nasaruddin Umar during the kick-off for Pesparawi XIV in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The Minister noted that festivity can be demonstrated through various supporting activities such as exhibitions, cultural attractions, entertainment stages, the display of banners, and the presence of religious leaders and artists from various regions.
He also encouraged the people of Manokwari to utilise the presence of visiting church leaders during the event to provide religious enlightenment to the local community. “Many very important figures will descend upon Manokwari during that time. Universities can utilise them, and study groups can also benefit from the experts who are arriving,” the Minister said.
“Indeed, Pesparawi is present to re-sacralise our religious life, which currently tends to be bland,” added the Minister.
Nasaruddin also expressed hope that future implementations of Pesparawi could be synergised with the similar Catholic event, the Church Choir Festival (Pesparani), to create an even more magnificent celebration. “I hope that in the future, if possible, they can stand side by side. The opening and closing ceremonies could be held together, while the actual proceedings remain at their respective venues,” he said.
He emphasised that church choirs are an essential part of the liturgy and worship for Christians. Through song, spiritual messages and religious experiences can be conveyed more profoundly to the congregation. “Singing is a very substantial part of the liturgy. What emerges from emotion lands within other emotions. Therefore, choirs and singing play an important role in religious life,” he remarked.
He added that religious music and art also serve as a means of spreading faith and as a unifying force for the community amidst various denominations and social groups. The Minister of Religious Affairs invited all participants and organisers of Pesparawi XIV to ensure the event serves not merely as a choir competition, but as a momentum to strengthen spirituality, tolerance, and brotherhood among all.