Religious conflicts worry ulemas

Religious conflicts worry ulemas

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A prominent Moslem ulema is concerned that certain conflicts may threaten religious harmony in the province.

Syariffuddin R. Gomang, local chapter chief of the Indonesian Ulemas Council, called on members of different faiths to respect each other.

He deplored recent desecrations of the host during several holy communion services in local Catholic churches and the circulation of anonymous leaflets discrediting prominent Moslem figures.

"The Ulemas Council and all Moslems in East Nusa Tenggara are deeply concerned about all these incidents," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

He also called on people of all religions in the predominantly Christian territory to refrain from resorting to violence in times of conflict. (16)