Young Muslims defy the Islamists and participate in Christmas mass
December 29, 2012: Regardless of the threats of radical Islamic leaders against the
Christians, 12 Muslim youths of Semarang Islamc State University WaliSongo attended
Christmas Mass in the Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier Kebon Dalem (Semarang,
Central Java). Fr. Aloysius Budi Purnomo said that they came of their own accord,
risking their own lives. Before entering the church, the boys asked permission to
attend mass, justifying the visit as a gesture of brotherhood with their Christian
neighbors during the Christmas period.
"In the beginning - says the priest
- I was not impressed. At Christmas many Muslims come to our services but only to
ensure safety, showing no interest towards us. But when I met these young students
I was convinced about their true intentions" . The pastor stresses that the faithful
applauded the 12 "guests" of exception, who have followed the mass from beginning
to end in silence and with great attention.
Muskit, one of 12 students gave
the priest a small message read at the end of the Mass, in which he confesses the
reasons that led him to attend the function. "I am very happy to have lived this experience
with my fellow Catholics," said the young man. "As a Muslim, I am resolved to strengthen
the spirit of tolerance and coexistence with Christians." According to Muskit, Indonesia
is a multi-religious society and this spirit must be preserved. "I had the chance
- he added - to attend a celebration where the message of peace of Christmas is widespread
and shared."
Despite the risk of attacks by Islamic extremist groups, thousands
of Catholics flocked to churches to attend Christmas mass. AsiaNews sources point
out that in all the parishes turnout was higher than expected. As every year, the
Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest moderate Muslim organization in Indonesia, provided more
than 20 thousand people as security guards in front of the Christian religious buildings.
Indonesia
is the most populous Muslim country in the world and while the constitutional principles
ensure religious freedom, it is increasingly the scene of attacks and violence against
minorities, be they Christian, Ahmadi Muslims or other faiths. In the province of
Aceh is governed by Islamic law, the Sharia - the only one in the archipelago -, and
in many other areas the Muslim religion's influence in people's lives is becoming
more radical and extreme. In addition, some rules such as building permits - the infamous
IMB - are exploited to prevent the building or close down Christian places of worship,
as is the case for some time in the regency of Bogor, West Java, for the faithful
of the Yasmin Church.