Hardliners reportedly burned down four churches in southern Aceh, which is under Sharia (Islamic law). One man was killed and four others were wounded during violent clashes at a church in Dangguran in Aceh Singkil district on Tuesday, as Christians tried to defend their church against hundreds of armed men.
Release partners say the dead man, who was shot in the head, was a Christian, although police have yet to confirm his identity.
Tensions flared after an Islamic youth group demanded that the Government demolish 21 churches on Aceh which they said did not have an appropriate permit. Local officials had reportedly agreed to act – but hardliners then 'took matters into their own hands', police said.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo appealed for calm yesterday and ordered officials to take firm action to 'establish peace and religious harmony'.
- Please pray for our church family on Aceh amid rising tensions in the province. Islamic law is increasingly being applied to non-Muslims.
- Ask God to give wisdom and courage to his people on Aceh, and across Indonesia, so they can be peacemakers and promote tolerance.
- Pray that President Widodo and his Government will work hard to build religious harmony in their nation.