In Indonesia, a radical Muslim man carrying a sharp weapon entered a prayer meeting of about 40 Christians. He threatened that if the prayer room was not closed, there would be bloodshed.
He openly declared, “He is not afraid to die for Allah.”
The frightened worshippers fled. Instead of immediately arresting the man, local authorities held a mediation meeting in which he apologized. However, the authorities ultimately ordered the prayer building to be closed.
Even though Christianity is the second-largest religion in Indonesia after Islam.
Radical Islamic groups continue to oppose and threaten the Christian community blocking them from building churches, holding religious gatherings, and even praying in private homes.
This year, construction of at least 11 religious sites has been halted following protests. In October, during a demonstration against church construction, an Islamic speaker even threatened to tear the church down.