By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
JAKARTA (Worthy News) - Police in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, are investigating a prominent Indonesian pastor, known for his television appearances, for alleged blasphemy against Islam, Christians told Worthy News early Friday.
Jakarta Metro Police target Gilbert Lumoindong following Muslim complaints over his recent sermon in which he mentioned Islamic prayer and compared the practice of “almsgiving” by Muslims with “Biblical tithing.”
After being posted online, his preaching quickly gained attention on social media.
Jumzar Rahman, the head of the South Sulawesi Arimathea Islamic Forum group, said several Muslim viewers condemned the sermon. "The video hurt us. We Muslims feel offended,” he added in published remarks.
Consequently, two complaints were filed with the police, claiming Pastor Gilbert had “blasphemed “ against Islam in the world’s largest Muslim nation, Christians told Worthy News.
Pastor Gilbert, 57, said he offered his heartfelt apologies and that he had “no intention of insulting Muslims nor their Islamic practices.”
EDITING VIDEO
He further claimed that some social media users had edited his video to render his comments offensive.
A Christian home church organizer, who identifies herself only as Victoria, agreed. “The worshipers took their cellphones and recorded just parts of what he said. In my view, we as Christians should be wiser,” she told Worthy News.
Gilbert knows visual media well, as he was s co-host of the “Spiritual Refreshment for Christianity" program on the television network RCTI from 1992 until 1997.
Pastor Gilbert has since personally met with leaders of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to offer his apologies, Christians said.
After meeting with the pastor, Cholil Nafis from the MUI council said he accepted the apology. "Gilbert Lumoindong said that he had no intention of insulting Islamic teachings, let alone creating divisions," Nafis added in published remarks after the talks on April 16.
“We, as religious people, certainly accept his apology. We all forgive as we ask that this incident be a lesson for him and all of us."
FACING CHALLENGES
It comes as Christians told Worthy News they face challenges in Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population.
“While freedom of religion is mandated by law, followers of Islam – who account for more than 85 percent of the country's population – often receive preferential treatment by the government,” said advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC).
Churches also face opposition from angry Muslim crowds and local governments and organizations, Worthy News established.
“Pray that this investigation will conclude without any charges being laid against Pastor Gilbert,” VOMC asked supporters.
“May this incident bring about opportunities for the message of the Gospel to spread throughout Indonesia, leading many more people to faith in Jesus Christ.”