Release International

The Indonesian authorities have stepped up security in Central Sulawesi over Christmas.

Several high-ranking officials have visited the province recently, including the Vice- President and the Chief of Indonesian Police.

Christians have reportedly been advised by their leaders to keep their celebrations modest and avoid antagonising Muslims in a region where interreligious tensions run high. Rev Simon Timorason, head of the Christian Communication Forum of Indonesia, told Mission Network News that radical Islamist groups have been monitoring churches since the end of Ramadan.

Others are more optimistic. Rev Richard Daulay of The Indonesian Communion of Churches has confidence in government promises that Christmas will be peaceful this year. 'We are sure the present government will be able to better secure the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations than its predecessors,' he told The Jakarta Post.

• Pray for God's protection over Christians as they celebrate the birth of His son, especially in West Java and Central Sulawesi.
• Continue to pray for the success of bridge-building efforts between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia. Pray the church will lead the way in forging a new peace.

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