Pastor Accused of Blasphemy

Many people have their hands raised in worship.
  

During a recent Sunday sermon, Pastor Gilbert Lumoindong made mention of Islamic prayer and compared the practice of almsgiving with Biblical tithing. After being posted online, the sermon quickly gained attention on social media. According to Jumzar Rahman, who serves as the head of the South Sulawesi Arimathea Forum, offence was taken by some Muslim viewers. "The video hurt us," he states. "We Muslims feel offended." Consequently, two complaints were filed with the police, claiming that Pastor Gilbert had blasphemed against Islam.

The Jakarta Metro Police have taken the lead with the investigation but, at last report, official charges have not yet been laid against the accused Christian leader. Pastor Gilbert has offered his heartfelt apologies, stating that he had no intention of insulting Muslims nor their Islamic practices. He further claims that some social media users had edited his video to render his comments offensive.

Pastor Gilbert has since personally met with leaders of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to offer his apologies. After meeting with the pastor, Cholil Nafis from the MUI council said that he accepts the apology. "Gilbert Lumoindong said that he had no intention of insulting Islamic teachings, let alone creating divisions," he explained after the meeting on April 16th. "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."

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. 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. Churches also frequently encounter opposition, particularly from local governments and organizations. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Indonesia, go to our country report.

Pray that this investigation will conclude without any charges being laid against Pastor Gilbert. On behalf of this accused church leader, ask the Lord to provide him continued guidance, direction and needed assistance as he endeavours to wisely deal with the situation. The same applies to other Christians who are residing in the country, especially as they seek ways to minister to their unbelieving neighbours. 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.

  • Country Information

    Population
    279,476,346 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Javanese (40.1), Sundanese (15.5), Malay (3.7), Balak (3.6), Madurese (3), Betawi (2.9), Minangkabau (2.7), Buginese (2.7), Bantenese (2), Other (23.8)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87.2), Christian (9.9), Hindu (1.7), Other (0.9), Unspecified (0.4)

    Leader
    President Joko Widodo (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system based on the Roman-Dutch model and influenced by customary law

    Sources: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Indonesia

    Pray for the continued growth of the church in Indonesia, despite the intense opposition and persecution that has taken place. May the destructive plans of the enemy to eradicate Christianity be frustrated and nullified.

    Pray that whatever is intended for evil, God will turn around for good – causing such hatred and violence to not only discredit extremism, but to also compel many to seek salvation in Christ... including the perpetrators of persecution.

Indonesia News

  • Two Women Injured in Attack on Prayer Meeting
    Trees surround a church building behind an open gate. There are colourful flags on either side of the gate.
    A church building in Indonesia.
    Photo: Wikimedia / F-GSPY (cc)

    Two young women were slightly wounded when a mob attacked a Catholic prayer meeting on May 5th in the city of Tangerang, Banten Province. The group meeting, which consisted of 15 Catholic students who had gathered in a home for prayer, was disrupted when armed assailants forced their way into the residence, injuring two females during the intrusion. Some concerned local Muslims attempted to defend the students, with one of them sustaining a minor cut from the attack.

  • Pastor Accused of Blasphemy
    Many people have their hands raised in worship.
      

    During a recent Sunday sermon, Pastor Gilbert Lumoindong made mention of Islamic prayer and compared the practice of almsgiving with Biblical tithing. After being posted online, the sermon quickly gained attention on social media. According to Jumzar Rahman, who serves as the head of the South Sulawesi Arimathea Forum, offence was taken by some Muslim viewers. "The video hurt us," he states. "We Muslims feel offended." Consequently, two complaints were filed with the police, claiming that Pastor Gilbert had blasphemed against Islam.

  • 2023 Year in Review
    A group of believers is worshipping together.
    Believers worship faithfully amidst much opposition.
    Photo: VOMC

    Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. While freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution, Muslims generally receive preferential treatment from the government. In order to establish and operate places of worship, permits are officially required; yet, in practise, only non-Muslims must comply. These permits are very difficult for churches to obtain. To be granted an official permit, each congregation must be comprised of a minimum of 90 members and needs authorization from at least 60 non-Christian residents in the area.