Free Republic

Along with the challenges facing Indonesia after the December 26 tsunami, Christians in Indonesia are continuing to be confronted with difficulties in this predominantly Muslim nation. According to VOM sources in Indonesia, three new churches have been threatened with closure when the head of the North Grogol community where they are located accused the churches of disturbing the community, as well as meeting illegally in business buildings. The three churches, Abraham Camp Church (GKA), Bellezza Indonesia Bethel Church (GBI) and GKRI Karmel, confirmed that the meeting halls could be used for business or other purposes, including religious meetings. The pastor...

Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 19--(AP) Al-Qaida linked militants are feared to be targeting churches in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, this Christmas, but priests and preachers aren't canceling yuletide services. "It would be capitulating to fear," said Rev. Andrew Lake, an Australian who heads an Anglican congregation in Jakarta. "Worshipping and serving God are still the highest priority." Three years ago, bombs exploded at 11 churches across Indonesia on Christmas Eve, killing 19 people and injuring around 100. The attacks have since been blamed on the al-Qaida-linked terror group Jemaah Islamiyah. The group, which allegedly has cells across Southeast...