Indonesian (Protestant) Church Closing Sparks Public Debate (Muslims)Indonesia
November 2004
Excerpt:
On the following evening, a police officer approached the pastor who lived at the church and warned him to flee. Not long after the family had left the premises, a mob of approximately 500 people turned up and began to vandalize the church. The attackers were identified in press reports as members of the Front Pembela Islam (FPI), or Islamic Defenders’ Front. Komintra reported broken chairs and damage to the roof of the building. The sound system, pews, doors and windows were also damaged, according to Voice of the Martyrs. Since the attack, the church has been unable to resume worship services.