Indonesian Parish Gets Church Permit After 34-Year Wait

UCANews ^ | 12/21/21 | Katharina R. Lestari

[marshmallow]

Catholics express gratitude to the governor for granting it a few days ahead of Christmas

A parish in Indonesia’s Jakarta Archdiocese has finally received a building permit to construct a parish church after a 34-year struggle.

Jakarta governor Anies Rasyied Baswedan presented the permit to Christ’s Peace Parish in Tambora subdistrict during a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 21.

The event, which was also livestreamed on the parish’s YouTube channel, was attended by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta as well as members of the Interfaith Communication Forum and several government officials.

“We come from different backgrounds but we are united by a common goal. We live here in this republic because we want justice and welfare, and that is exactly why we are here today. We witness the groundbreaking ceremony for this parish church,” Baswedan said in his speech.

“Unity must be maintained … We hope that people living around this parish will also feel at peace. Parishioners and local people will respect each other. When we talk about unity, we refer to unity which is beyond ceremonial and accidental events,” he added

Cardinal Suharyo expressed his gratitude that the permit was granted by the governor just a few days ahead of Christmas Day.

“When Mr. Governor presents the permit, please see this as a mandate. A mandate for parishioners to play different roles in building various movements to promote fraternity,” the prelate said.

Sacred Heart Father Hironimus Ronny Dahua from Christ’s Peace Parish said parishioners had fought for the permit for 34 years.

[Chode]

and that’s prolly still faster than in LA...

[lee martell]

Let me guess: After this 34 year wait, now the church can’t open anyway due to the latest COVID rise. Oy!

[joma89]

2nd amendment ping