Indonesia

With the largest Islamic population in the world, there have been many efforts to bring the country under the rule of Shariah law. The government recognises freedom of worship, but often fails to secure Christians' rights to exercise their faith. As a result, they are coming under increasing pressure. Islamists have used legal means to bring about the closure of several churches. Muslims becoming Christians can be cut off by their family and community.

Examples of Persecution:

• In the week leading up to Easter celebrations in 2011, police discovered five bombs buried under a gas pipeline near a Catholic church near Jakarta. The bombs were due to explode on Good Friday, but were successfully defused.
• In September 2011, a Muslim man attacked the Bethel Injil Sepulah Christian Church. 27 people were wounded.

Please Pray:

• That Christians will seek peace and exhibit the attitude of Christ in the face of animosity and oppression
• For training programmes designed for those involved in outreach to Muslims
• That the increasing support for establishing Shariah law as a result of growing dissatisfaction with the government will be reversed.