Preserving religious harmony

In his address at the opening of the twelfth meeting of the Confederation of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), in Jayapura on Friday, Vice President Try Sutrisno asked citizens to avoid negative preconceptions and mistrust, because of the harm they could do to the sense of unity and cohesion among us, particularly fellow religious believers.

One of the reasons for the rise of narrow fanaticism is the growth of uncertainties and dissatisfactions over issues that are infused with contradictions, inconsistencies and injustices in religious and social life.

The feeling of incompetence in trying to overcome such obstacles brings about reactions that lead to a hardening of stance, extremism and an uncompromising attitude.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of religious leaders to try to eliminate, or at least ease, such contradictions and injustices in order to prevent such feelings of narrow fanaticism from emerging.

In addition, we should guard against people or parties who, for whatever purpose, try to manipulate such differences among the believers of the various religions to undermine the spirit of goodwill and harmony.

-- Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta