I usually try to avoid commenting on stories of terror committed in the name of Islam, because it is a delicate matter to avoid making generalizations that inadvertantly sweep in Muslims who would be horrified at the actions of terroristic co-religionists. That said, I can’t help but take note that extremist Indonesian Muslims, acting in the name of a religion that many sincere Muslims believe is a religion of peace, recently attacked Indonesian Catholics praying the rosary:
"A group composed of Islamic extremists attacked Catholics praying the rosary on 11 October and threatened to burn down the house they were gathered in. The assailants, who claimed to be part of the Islamic Defender Front (Front Pembela Islam, FPI), invaded the house of one of the Catholic community belonging to the parish of Christ Salvator in western Jakarta.
"The men forced the marian prayer to stop immediately, threatening to burn the place down. They forced all those present including the Ketua Lingkungan (informal parish leader — ed. note) to sign a declaration that they will not hold any more rosary gatherings in houses in the area.
"The attack has fuelled fears and apprehension among Indonesian Catholics who fear further possible hostile moves from the FPI. The front is also behind the closure of 24 home-churches in western Java."
Whatever the difficulties of modern American society, it’s stories like this that make me grateful I live here rather than anywhere else. When you’re praying your rosary, say a prayer for these Indonesian Catholics and thank God that you can do so in peace.
Here in the Orlando area (specifically Winter Park), there is a billboard that states, “In Islam, Terrorists are Criminals, Not Martyrs”. It was posted by a local Muslim organization.
I’m grateful that some Islam leaders and associations are (very) publicly denouncing the terrorists.
It is so easy to forget our freedoms. Thanks for posting things like this from time to time.
Those poor people. I’ll also say a prayer for the muslims who forced them to stop. May our Blessed Mother lead them to see the error of their ways and bring them to her Divine Son.
It’s bad in a certain part of Indonesia.
People who don’t have stable job are usually part of these kind of militant groups. That is why this kind of militantism is not that common in …say… Malaysia where Moslem are more well off there.
But be sure to keep us in prayer. Islam has a very darkside.
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Jimmy, someone is not following your rules!