A group of Christians were prevented from celebrating Sunday Mass in the city of Ambon, on the Indonesian island of Maluku.
A report on AsiaNews said Indonesian Air Force personnel cordoned off the main door of the church and blocked entry to churchgoers. The church is located inside the Pattimura military air base.
It was the first time that Christians were driven away, the report quoted witnesses.
“We are angry because they prohibited us from reaching our church and celebrating the weekend Mass,” said Stanly Haluruk, a resident.
Worshippers were reportedly not allowed to attend the service because some were not wearing shoes, apparently a requirement in the military base.
The report quoted the commander of the Pattimura air base saying the incident was due to a “communication error.”
He insisted, however, that people inside the military base must always be appropriately dressed.
