Church planters must get permission to plant churches in Indonesia

Mission Network News ^ | 2 March 2006

[ekeni]

Next, the idea is to broadcast the Gospel, see people come to Christ, disciple them and then plant a church. In Indonesia it's not longer that easy. The government now requires 100 members and a review by all religious faiths before building. Back to the Bible's Frans Silalahi broadcasts Christian programming on 27 stations in Indonesia. He says the requirement is a challenge. "You have to ask permission from 70 people (who) are unbelievers to set up one church. That's what the law says and they released those laws this month." Silalahi knows spiritual growth isn't dependant on a building. As the pressure builds, he asks Christians to pray for those reaching out. "I'm an evangelist and Bible teacher. I (must be) brave to tell the truth at any cost. That's my calling and the calling of all the servants of the Lord in Indonesia. So, please pray for us not to be afraid." Pray, too, that God will continue using Christian radio to lead many Indonesians to Himself.

[ekeni]

Whilst we hear the continuous reference by Muslims to there being “no compulsion religion” in Islam 1. The overall theme of the Koran contradicts this, and 2. Even the laws of a Muslim democracy like Indonesia make it difficult if not impossible for Christians to build places of worship. Of course a true democracy also involves the right to free speech and right to practice religion without bias and oppressive control by central and local government. I have yet to hear of other faiths in a democracy deciding whether a place of worship for a faith is allowed to be built. In Indonesia, if Christians want to build a church, they have to not only have a minimum of 100 members but they must get the permission of the non-believers in the area. In other words Islam gives Muslims a veto on the building of Christian churches! Muslims might argue that a mosque would in theory require the same consent. Really? § I’m sure they have enough mosques as it is? § In the event Muslims decide to build a new mosque are a vulnerable Christian minority going to court disaster and refuse to “agree” the building of a mosque? The answer is obviously no. The beheading of three Christians schoolgirls in Indonesia highlights that vulnerability. § Perhaps the truth is they are simply fearful of “competition” from other religions. I expect the government would say the law will prevent unrest and the possibility of violence (from whom?!).After all Islam is said to be a religion of peace and there is “no compulsion” in religion. Of course the Holy Spirit builds up believers and they don’t need a building to experience the love of God... but shouldn’t they be entitled to the same rights as Muslims?! Now the next step would be to ban meetings of Christians in houses. Oh yes, China has already thought of it, as has Saudi Arabia....

[Cindy]

Well now, it's ok to be afraid.
Fear can be used as a gift from God to be careful and think what
must be done to share God's word in a wise and prudent way.

No matter how many times I read the Bible; there is no verse that
states life is easy.

I do pray for the persecuted church.

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