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IL News 005/2016
The 2nd Christianity and Politics Training
Rantepao, South Sulawesi. February 17-18, 2016
For several people, politics are unclean and has to be avoided. For others, politics is like a smooth way to achieve their personal interest. How should a Christian understand politics? This is one the questions discussed in the Christianity and Politics Training held on February 17-18, 2016 at the Toraja Church Tangmentoe Training Centre in Rantepao, North Toraja Region, South Sulawesi, in a collaboration with Leimena Institute, the State Christian Religion Academy (STAKN) Toraja, and the Toraja Church Synod. The training was attended by around 50 students and lecturers from STAKN, and also by pastors and elders from the Toraja Church Synod. It was formally opened by the Chairman of STAKN Toraja, Salmon Pamantung, M.Th.
In this training, Dr. Paul Marshall, Senior Fellow of Leimena Institute and Hudson Institute Washington DC, talked about “Politics and The Gospel” and “Pastors and Politics”. Several basic teachings of Church and Politics was delivered by Dr. Andreas A. Yewangoe, Senior Fellow of Leimena Institute and Head of the Indonesian Council of Churches (PGI) Consultative Assembly 2014-2019. Dr. Yewangoe also talked about “Church and The Faith Confession”, and “Actualization of Politics in Indonesia”. Participants were also encouraged to see the example of Christianity and Politics by watching the Metro File “The Pearl from the East: Johannes Leimena” that was aired in National TV Metro on January 8, 2011. The figure of Johannes Leimena has been an example of a person who sees politics as an ethic to serve and not only as an effort to gain power. Participants were also facilitated by Rev. Simon Todingallo, who is the Chairman of Toraja Church Theological Institute, to think of future plans based on the Christianity and Politics training they received.
What are the participants’ comment about this training? Here are several comments given by the participants:
The benefit of the training is to give a real understanding on how we, as Christians, should actually take the right attitude in regards of politics. (Mersi Pappa Tandiongan, STAKN Toraja)
For me personally, this training is very useful because it gives inspiration, on how pastors should act in politics. The church also should not be allergic to politics, instead politics should be made as an ethic of dedication. (Risal Buttu Linggi)
Previously, I was allergic to politics, and now it has become a concern towards the situation in the society and government. It also widens my correct knowledge about the responsibilities of Christians in politics. (Naome Sampe, STAKN Toraja)