UCA News
Contribute

Indonesian bishops kick off annual 10-day meeting

Prelates encouraged to use pope's Abu Dhabi document to promote fraternity to tackle growing extremism
Indonesian bishops kick off annual 10-day meeting

Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo says bishops can learn from the papal document. (Photo: Katharina R. Lestari/ucanews)

Published: November 05, 2019 08:45 AM GMT
Updated: November 05, 2019 08:46 AM GMT

The Indonesian Bishops’ Conference kicked off its 10-day annual meeting on Nov. 4 in Bandung, West Java, with a focus on human fraternity.

Archbishops and bishops from all 37 Indonesian archdioceses and dioceses, as well as several priests and nuns,  will be attending the meeting, which will end on Nov. 14.

It is being held under the theme "Human Fraternity for Peaceful Indonesia" and takes its inspiration from the document “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” signed on Feb. 4 by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el- Tayyeb, in Abu Dhabi during the papal visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The document highlights several peace-building aspirations including “an invitation to reconciliation and fraternity among all believers … and non-believers, and among all people of goodwill.”

“This meeting is rooted in the Abu Dhabi document, and it is hoped that by learning from the document we can achieve aspirations and do something to transform a life,” conference chairman Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta was quoted as saying in his opening speech by the conference’s website.

Also attending the opening day at Bandung Diocese’s Pastoral Center was Aloma Sarumaha, secretary of the Directorate General for Catholic Community Guidance.

“Human fraternity for a peaceful Indonesia must become our main commitment to strengthen national bonds,” he said.

Speaking to ucanews, Justina Rostiawati, chairwoman of the Jakarta-based Catholic Women of the Republic of Indonesia, said the meeting should highlight the importance of interreligious dialogue among archbishops and bishops at a time when intolerance and extremism have become a major concern.  

She said few archdioceses and dioceses in predominantly Christian provinces remain unaware of the threats posed by intolerance and extremism.

“Such dialogue can be achieved through local cultural events where participation by people from different religious backgrounds is actively encouraged,” she said.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia