Posted on 12/23/2021 7:09:00 PM PST by marshmallow
Local authority comes under fire for withdrawing permission to allow public signs wishing Christians seasonal greetings
A human rights group in Indonesia has denounced religious authorities in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province for going back on a decision, following protests by Islamic groups, to allow signs to be put up in public places offering people Christmas greetings.
The provincial Religious Affairs Ministry office had issued a letter on Dec. 14 allowing other government offices to display Christmas greetings to help promote religious harmony in the region.
However, on Dec. 15, Islamic groups calling themselves the United Muslims Forum protested against the move, claiming it had sparked anxiety among local Muslims.
They also said wishing Christians a “merry Christmas” is forbidden under an Indonesian Ulema Council fatwa (religious edict) issued in 1981.
The Jakarta-based Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace said in a statement, a copy of which was received by UCA News on Dec. 16, that the decision to withdraw the gesture showed that local authorities were weak in the face of unreasonable pressure.
“They caved in to intolerance. They should have been strict in maintaining diversity and promoting religious harmony,” said Bonar Tigor Naipospos, the rights group’s deputy chairman.
(Excerpt) Read more at ucanews.com ...
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