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.
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