Ignatius Suharyo, the Archbishop and Cardinal of Jakarta, called for the Church to join the path of true brotherhood with other religions.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
Consisting of 17,000 peninsulas, Indonesia prides itself on the diversity of its 230 million people. People show their diversity in language, culture, religion and political leanings. In the midst of the slogan “Unity in Diversity” emblazoned on the national emblem, the Church stands as one of the minority religions but its active presence.
The Cardinal said that the Church has no difficulty in finding its place in Indonesia’s society and working with other religions to build true brotherhood.
The country has completed its 2022 presidency of the G20 and leaders of the world’s rich nations have gathered in Bali to formulate policies to get the global financial system back on track.
G 20, R 20, Indonesian Church
At the same time, R 20 (Religions 20) was also held in conjunction with this summit, which provides space for religions and inter-religious dialogue in the society. All religions, including the Church, were invited to participate in this initiative, which was initiated by the Indonesian Government’s Department of Religion. The cardinal pointed out that this open invitation is a sign of hope that “Indonesia will continue” and that those who try to forcefully impose the concept of a religion on the government will not succeed.
He highlighted that the success of the G20 proves that Indonesia is not what others say or what others try to portray, but a country of happy citizens.
Church among other religions
The cardinal stressed the importance of the Church working with other religions in Indonesia, “minority and majority” because they are working to erase their nikhandu because they are all Indonesian citizens. The cardinal also pointed out that the head of the Islamic groups and the heads of other religious groups share the same visions of promoting true brotherhood for more than 20 years. But challenges abound in these efforts. Some misuse religion for politics. The Cardinal pointed out that this is diabolical and will destroy all efforts to build true fraternity.
Synadal method
The Universal Church is preparing for next year’s Synod of Bishops. All 37 dioceses in Indonesia are actively participating in this process at all levels.
The cardinal also highlighted the importance of the people of God to focus on poverty, potential religious conflicts, environment, unity, technological challenges, divorce etc. Underlining the government’s efforts to maintain religious balance among the nearly 700 tribes in Indonesia, the Cardinal also highlighted that the Church is working together in efforts to promote global peace as enshrined in the Constitution of Indonesia.