Fellowship of Reconciliation Prays for Papua New Guinea

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR), an ecumenical Christian peace charity, joined the Free West Papua Campaign in a vigil outside the Indonesian Embassy last Friday to commemorate Papuan Independence Day.

Prayers were said for those living in West Papuan communities torn apart by conflict and for those "imprisoned for flying the flag of independence and those denied their basic human rights," FoR said.

Maud Grainger from the FoR said: "We must speak for those whose voices are not heard. For years Papuans have been refused choice and now we work together for this basic right. Jesus calls us to fight against injustice, today we pray for West Papuans"

In 2000 West Papuan leaders and Churches committed the movement to Peaceful means and declared 'Papua, a Land of Peace'. An international solidarity movement has since emerged to support the commitment to Peace.

FoR supports those committed to making and building peace. It said, however, that "they need the support of Christians around the world to pray and speak out against their injustice".

Benny Wenda, a West Papuan Tribal Leader from Free West Papua Campaign said:
"1st December is a day written in every West Papuan's heart. It's the day in 1961 when the Dutch gave us our flag, national anthem and parliament and promised us independence in 1970.

"The next year, the Indonesians invaded and 44 years of occupation and killing began for my people. We call 1st December our 'Independence Day' because we have never given up hope of freedom."