Indonesia, an archipelago of thousands of islands, is the world’s third most populous democracy and the largest Muslim-majority nation. It continues to struggle with poverty and corruption.
Though it has a reputation for tolerance, discrimination against religious minorities has increased. Local authorities close churches based on the retroactive enforcement of a law that requires the approval of 60 nearby residents before a church can be established. Though the rule is supposed to apply to new construction, it has been used repeatedly against long-established churches. Religious freedom is legally protected, but Christians often face discrimination from the Muslim majority. New converts face community harassment and family pressure.
VOM is assisting Christian refugees with basic needs and medical care. We are distributing Bibles and helping train Bible school students who will go into ministry in Muslim areas.
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