Photo: ILO / Yodhi Prasetyo (cc)
On July 27th, a violent incident occurred in Padang City, Indonesia, when several men attacked a prayer house, which was established to provide religious education to Christian children. Armed with sticks, the assailants ordered the believers to disperse, and then they proceeded to smash the building's windows. During the attack, two children (ages eight and eleven) sustained injuries after being struck by objects that had been thrown amid the violence.
After the Christians had exited the premises, the men began wrecking the contents inside. The destroyed items included furniture and electronics. Authorities have arrested nine suspects in connection with the raid. The city's mayor has since claimed that the incident was merely a "misunderstanding," stating that the assailants mistakenly believed the facility was a church building.
This event follows a similar attack that took place in the city of Sukabumi one month earlier, when a large mob targeted a retreat centre for Christian students. The attackers alleged that a private residence was being unlawfully used as a worship site. Following the incident, in which significant damages were made to the retreat house and nearby vehicles, eight individuals were arrested. More information about Christian persecution in Indonesia, including videotaped reports on other incidents, is available at our country profile.
- Pray for complete physical healing on behalf of the two injured children, and for the emotional recovery of all who were otherwise affected by these recent acts of violence.
- May those responsible for the attacks not only be brought to justice, but may they also encounter the truth of God's Word and thus experience genuine transformation of their hearts and minds.
- Pray that Indonesian authorities at every level of government would actively uphold and protect the religious rights and freedoms of citizens representing all faith communities.
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