Christmas message: Indonesian Christian leaders reiterate to promote brotherhood

The Indonesian Church leaders have issued a Christmas message 2021 that reiterates to promote Christ's love and compassion.

In a joint Christmas message, the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) have invited all Christians in Indonesia to reflect on the theme "The Love of Christ That Moves the Spirit of Brotherhood" (1Peter1:22).

The Christmas message reminds all Christians to love each other sincerely and foster fraternity and compassion.

"For the second year in a row, Christmas amid the pandemic invites us to see our brothers and sisters, particularly those who are suffering because of the persecution in the country," KWI and PGI said in a message.

By looking at Jesus as the cornerstone, KWI and PGI urged Christians to eliminate behaviors that can divide family spirit, such as evil, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

"Jesus whose birth we celebrate encourages us to seek new and creative ways to love one another, proclaim justice, and bring true peace in families, communities, and society," the church leaders said in unison.

In this letter, KWI and PGI also expressed their gratitude for the hard work of the government, private sector, and individuals in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and carrying out welfare measures.

In the Christmas message, KWI and PGI reminded that during the pandemic, "We are all in one world boat that is experiencing a COVID storm. During and after Christmas, we are also asked to be brothers and sisters to those in difficulty."

In this situation, the philosophy of brotherhood as a distinctive character of the Indonesian people is becoming increasingly meaningful and progressively urgent for all to internalize and realize it.

The church leaders said that Christians are expected to show love to each other through concrete actions and work together to face the challenges caused by this pandemic.

Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country, has more than 270 million people. About 10 percent of its population is Christian, including eight million Catholics.