‘I call on everyone to fight against terror and radicalism, which go against religious values.’ President Joko Widodo made this declaration following an attack on a Catholic church in Makassar on Palm Sunday this year.

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and it has long been considered a champion of pluralism and freedom of religion or belief. However, there’s been a rise in religious intolerance in recent years and minority faith groups are becoming more vulnerable. Join us this week in praying for protection for them and that the country’s leaders would do their utmost to ensure everyone can practise their faith freely and in safety. Find out more atcsw.org.uk/indonesia

Sunday 15 August

Christians, Ahmadiyyas, Shi’as and other religious minorities are often targeted by radical Sunni Muslim militants. Churches are closed down or attacked, Ahmadiyya mosques and homes are burned, Shi’as are displaced. Pray for all religious communities today, that they would be protected from such attacks and that those responsible would be held to account.

Monday 16 August

Today, pray for protection for the Church in Indonesia. On Palm Sunday this year, suicide bombers attacked a Catholic church in Makassar, leaving at least 20 people injured. The attackers are believed to have been Jemaah Anshorut Daulah (JAD), an armed group associated with Islamic State (IS). JAD were also responsible for the bombing of three churches in Surabaya in May 2018.

Tuesday 17 August

On 30 November 2020, Islamic militants linked to IS attacked a Salvation Army outpost in a village in Central Sulawesi province. Four people were killed during the attack, one of whom was beheaded. Pray for comfort for those who lost loved ones in the attack, and for mental and emotional healing for those who witnessed it.

Wednesday 18 August

The country’s blasphemy laws cause much division and injustice. They’re often misused for political reasons or to silence criticism, debate or dissent. In 2019 proposals were made to expand the existing blasphemy laws, and these are likely to resurface once the worst of the pandemic is over. Pray that they would not pass and for the laws to be repealed altogether.

Thursday 19 August

The Ahmadiyya community has experienced serious violations of freedom of religion or belief since 2005. In 2013 the governor of West Java claimed that the ‘problem’ – that is, the attacks on the community – ‘will disappear if the belief disappears’. Pray today for protection for Ahmadiyyas and that they would be treated with fairness and respect.

Friday 20 August

‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.’ (Philippians 2:3) Pray this verse over the nation of Indonesia today.

Saturday 21 August

Loving heavenly Father, pour out your peace on Indonesia today. Where there are minds set on division and destruction, fill them with understanding, love and justice, we pray. May all citizens be treated as equals and be free to practise their faith without fear. Amen.

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