Christians brutally slain in suspected terrorist attack

The attack occurred in a remove village in Sigi, Central Sulawesi (Photo: Google Maps)

Three Christians had their throats slit and a fourth was beheaded in a horrific attack in Indonesia on Friday.

A Salvation Army post and the homes of Christians were also burned down in the attack in Central Sulawesi, International Christian Concern reports.

National police spokesman Awi Setiyono said the attack was carried out by around 10 people belonging to a "terrorist" group, according to Reuters.

Gina Goh, ICC's Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, called on the Indonesian government to hold the perpetrators to account. 

"Such senseless act cannot be tolerated in the country that boasts 'Pancasila,' the state ideology which promotes religious harmony and tolerance," she said. 

Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono told Reuters, "This attack is another serious escalation against the Christian minority in Indonesia."

The attack comes two years after 15 people were killed and another 57 injured in suicide bombing attacks on three churches in Surabaya, East Java. 

The perpetrators of that attack were suspected to be affiliated with the Islamic State. 

 

News
The story of St Patrick’s Day
The story of St Patrick’s Day

On March 17 every year, people in Ireland and across the world celebrate St Patrick’s Day. But who was St Patrick, and why is he remembered centuries later? His story is one of hardship, faith and a remarkable mission that changed the course of Ireland’s history.

Christians urge MSPs to vote against assisted suicide in Scotland
Christians urge MSPs to vote against assisted suicide in Scotland

The final vote on Tuesday is expected to be very close, with more MSPs indicating in recent days that they will be voting no.

Buddhism declines worldwide as ageing and disaffiliation take their toll, Pew study finds
Buddhism declines worldwide as ageing and disaffiliation take their toll, Pew study finds

Buddhism was the only major world faith to record a decline between 2010 and 2020.

Scotland: Eleventh hour plea to MSPs to reject assisted suicide
Scotland: Eleventh hour plea to MSPs to reject assisted suicide

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, is urging members of the Scottish Parliament to think of the vulnerable and vote against assisted suicide.