Thanksgiving Service for the Completion of 2014 National Agenda and Starting the Year of 2015

IL News 006/2015

Jakarta, Januari 17^th, 2015

Leimena Institute held a Thanksgiving Service for the Completion of the 2014 National Agenda and Starting the Year of 2015, taking place in a hotel in Jakarta, on January 17th, 2015. The service was opened with a speech from Mr. Jakob Tobing, President of Leimena Institute; Mr. Yasonna H. Laoly, Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights; and Father Edy Purwanto, Executive Secretary of Indonesian Catholic Churches Conference (KWI).

Rev. Andreas A. Yewangoe, Chief Advisory Council from Council of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), delivered the sermon, from Isaiah 33: 15-16: “He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, He who rejects unjust gain and shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; He will dwell on the heights, His refuge will be the impregnable rock; His bread will be given, His water will be sure.”  In the reflection, Rev. Yewangoe urged Christian politicians to work and serve for the good of every people, with honesty and integrity.

Christmas Reflection was given by Father Franz Magnis-Suseno, a Professor of Driyakara Theological and Philosophy School. He emphasized that Christmas has been a moment of joy, because the Lord has not left us. Through Christmas, we are reminded that love is stronger than hate, and forgiveness is stronger than revenge. Because of that, the presence of Christian people in Indonesia must be a testimony of God’s love, not a threat to anyone.

Present among the guests were members of the Indonesian People Representatives (DPR RI), Indonesian Regional Representatives (DPD RI), Indonesian Constitution Judge, Prof. Dr. Maria Farida, Chairman of Indonesian Council of Churches (PGI), Rev. Dr. Henriette Tabita Hutabarat Lebang, Chairman of Indonesian Evangelical Churches Fellowship (PGLII), Rev. Nus Reimas, and also representatives from several church synods in Indonesia.

The Thanksgiving Service received appreciation from many attendees. Quoting Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights, Mr. Yasonna H. Laoly’s speech: “It is our hope that Leimena Institute can keep on being a vessel for discussion and talks about national issues, from any party. Right now democracy and nationhood in Indonesia is growing, so we need the help and participation from all elements of the nation, across parties and professions for a brighter future for Indonesia.“