The Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) called on Christians in the country information and communication technologies, such as social media, “to glorify God and build a loving community.”
“Let us write down opinions, reflections, and sermons that soothe and reconcile the hearts of many people,” read a joint Christmas message released on November 21 by the Church leaders.
“Upload photos about the beauty of living together in the midst of differences that inspire people to care about others and the natural environment,” it added.
The Catholic and Protestant leaders urged the faithful to be calm and peaceful in public places and to spread the values of fairness, simplicity, togetherness, and justice, and to stop hate speech.
“Let us also have the courage to fight hate speech and fake news that can damage the harmony of living together,” read the statement.
The Church leaders told their followers to be wiser and smarter on social media, and be more creative in preaching love, and be more faithful in upholding moral and ethical standards in cyberspace.
“We should use the creative ways that social media gives us to preach so that we can move a lot of people to become ambassadors of love and peace in their homes, churches, and communities,” the leaders said.
The urged the faithful to think of Christmas as a push to find “another way” for spirituality. “Christmas also invites us to find new and creative ways to spread His love to others and all creatures,” read the statement.
“As citizens of the nation and members of the Church, even though we are diverse — of different religions, ethnicities, groups, and cultures — we must always walk together so that we can face various challenges and difficulties of life,” it added.
The Church leaders said “diversity is a gift from God that must be gratefully received, nurtured, and developed.”
“The diversity that we realize as a gift from God should encourage us to join hands in realizing a more dignified life together,” read their statement.
They called for “a civilization of love in the midst of growing violence … in the midst of widespread intolerance.”
The Church leaders called for “mutual understanding, acceptance, listening, and respect for our fellow travelers, who are all people who live in our country” and to “get rid of negative thoughts and destructive prejudices.” – Radio Veritas Asia