People shouting anti-Christian comments and a jihadist slogan formed a human chain to prevent Christians from attending a Christmas service in Indonesia.
Muslim men and women stood in the way of Huria Kristen Batak Protestant Church members who were going to a prayer post in Jayasampurna village near Jakarta on Dec. 14, Morning Star News reported.
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According to Morning Star, the Muslims were not from Jayasampurna village. Social media videos show police watching the Muslims block the Christians.
The news site harianterbit.com noted that Muslims not living in the village also prevented the Christians from worshipping on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. The site reports that the church had been using the location for seven years.
Referencing information from harianterbit.com and from the Indonesian news agency Antara, Morning Star stated church members agreed — in mediation meetings held Dec. 15 and Dec. 18 with local authorities and Muslims — to meet temporarily in Jababeka city and to forgive the Muslims.
The persecution monitor Open Doors reported Islamic extremists in Indonesia target evangelical churches.
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