Easter a Time to Create Peace

TAMPILAN LAYAR GEREJA KATOLIK SANTO PETRUS DAN PAULUS ARGAPURA

The bishop of Jayapura Monsignor Leo Laba Ladjar leads a mass at the Argapura Saint Peter and Paul Church, Jayapura City, Papua, Sunday (17/4/2022).

JAYAPURA, KOMPAS — Easter celebrations should not only commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter should also be a time for the parties involved to end the violence and forgive each other for the sake of creating peace, especially in Papua.

The bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Leo Laba Ladjar, on Sunday (17/4/2022), said that the death of Jesus Christ until his resurrection had the purpose not only to erase the sins of mankind, but to reconcile mankind with God.

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Leo called on Christians, especially in Papua, to follow the example of Jesus, who sacrificed for the sake of creating peace for others. The warring parties in Papua must stop the violence.

In addition, 14 TNI members, 2 members of the National Police and 3 residents were injured.

Conflicts between the Free Papua Organization (OPM), which has been described as an armed criminal group, and security forces are still going on. The conflicts have claimed many victims. In the last four months, 10 civilians, 6 members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and 2 OPM members died in the armed conflicts. In addition, 14 TNI members, 2 members of the National Police and 3 residents were injured.

“The Church continues to call for an immediate ceasefire between the two warring parties. The OPM, security forces, and the government should prioritize peaceful efforts for the safety of the people," said Leo.

Chairman III of the Communion of Churches of Papua (PGGP) Lipiyus Biniluk said that Easter is a moment of victory for Christians in overcoming all temptations. “Jesus Christ continues to forgive those who crucified him and rose again with love for Christians. Forgiveness is the main solution for creating peace in Papua," said Lipiyus.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Spanish legionnaires bear a crucifix figure depicting 'El Cristo de la Buena Muerte' (Christ of the Good Death) during the 'Cristo de Mena' Holy Week procession on April 14, 2022 in Malaga, southern Spain. - Christian believers around the world mark the Holy Week of Easter in celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Head of Public Relations Section of the Papuan Police, Sr. Comr. Ahmad Mustofa Kamal, said that the Easter services from Thursday (14/4) - Sunday (17/4) in 28 regencies and 1 city went smoothly. "The National Police as a representative of the state were here to secure and maintain the Easter service," said Ahmad.

Leave the violence

The message of peace was also conveyed during Easter celebrations in other parts of Indonesia. Christians are reminded to return to the spirit of love. It is a time to end hatred and violence against fellow human beings.

Father Pius Pujowiyanto, SCJ, conveyed the spirit to revive love again in his Easter Sunday sermon at the Santa Teresia Church, Jambi, east Sumatra, on Sunday (17/4). "When many people have been alive but without mercy, shouting to perpetuate violence, now is the time for us to return to compassion," said Father Pujo.

Chairman of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) Gomar Gultom said that celebrating Easter means celebrating God's love that was poured out through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gomar advised Christians to take care of each other because God's love flows forgiveness and reconciliation in the midst of conflicts and hostility in society.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

The atmosphere of Easter celebrations at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Ambon City, Maluku on Sunday (12/4/2020).

From the Vatican it was reported that Pope Francis urged world leaders to listen to the voice of peace for Ukraine in his Easter message, “Urbi et Orbi” (“For the City and the World”), on Sunday. In front of about 50,000 people who packed St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope called for the current conflict in Europe to draw attention to situations of conflict, violence and other suffering in the world.

The Pope said that in the Easter events, humans have seen too much violence. "Let peace be present," he said. (FLO/ITA/JUM/FRN/KOR/AFP/REUTERS/FRO)

(This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo)