Islamic Groups Shut Down Worship of Church in Indonesia

Compass Direct News reports that several Islamic organizations have pressed officials near Indonesia's capital city to forbid Jakarta Christian Baptist Church to worship in a house. As a result, the church has been ordered to cease worship. The groups told officials in Sepatan sub-district, Tangerang district, near Jakarta that worship activities cannot be conducted in a residence. The house belongs to the Rev. Bedali Hulu. Both District Officer Ismet Iskandar and a sub-district officer support the closure and have ordered Hulu to use his home only as a residence, the pastor said. "But they have not put forth a solution," Hulu said. "For a long time we have suggested that we build a place of worship, but there has been no response from the local government." Church members feel terrorized by mobs that have stopped services, the pastor said.