Statement on Church Bombings in Indonesia

By Thomas Kemper
We of the United Methodist mission community stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in Indonesia in the wake of the bombing of three churches in and around the city of Surabaya, East Java, on Sunday, May 13. We pray for the families of those killed—the number initially set at 11—and for the speedy recovery of the 40 persons reportedly wounded. We join in outrage with our ecumenical partners worldwide that the Indonesian Christian minority must endure such violence.

The terrorists struck with suicide bombers at Saint Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Surabaya Pentecostal Church, and the Indonesian Diponegoro Christian Church. 

We grieve the loss of lives, the destruction of properties and the erosion of trust that result from such tragic incidents.


The rest of the statement.