Indonesia, Freedom and Christians

In a discussion group I used to attend, one recurring theme was the place of the Christian Church in the public square.

How should the church publicly express its views? When does obeying God mean disobeying Kevin07? What sorts of social and political institutions and practices are most conducive to Christians living out and voicing their beliefs? These sorts of questions guided much of our talk, and with the Church having more and more to say -- or, at least, seeming to want to have more and more to say -- in public discussion in Australia, such questions still bear thinking about.

In this context, I was interested to read Indonesia-expert Sidney Jones' recent comments about religious freedom, minority rights (including, but not only, Christians') and security in Indonesia:

Playing religious favorites or tacitly endorsing one version of the truth is a dangerous game in a country as diverse as Indonesia. Unless Jakarta takes a tougher stance against vigilantes and in favor of religious freedom and minority rights, internal security problems are likely to increase ("Communal Tension a Prime Security Threat", The Jakarta Post, 3 Jan 2008).

Those interested in Jones' prognosis for Indonesia in 2008 can read the full article here. Her last three paragraphs are especially thought-provoking.