Christians brutally slain in suspected terrorist attack

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
Francis of Assisi and the battle for his legacy: poverty, power and the medieval Church
Francis of Assisi and the battle for his legacy: poverty, power and the medieval Church

Eight hundred years after his death, Francis of Assisi’s radical embrace of poverty still raises challenging questions about wealth, power and the Church’s faithfulness to the gospel.

New network to foster unity between European and migrant churches
New network to foster unity between European and migrant churches

"Contested migration is a big barrier," says founder Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana.

Budget must go further to support families, says CARE
Budget must go further to support families, says CARE

Christian charity CARE has called for fundamental tax reform to support families, warning that the Budget’s measures offer too little help to parents facing financial pressures.

Isle of Man medics raise concerns about assisted suicide following Royal Assent
Isle of Man medics raise concerns about assisted suicide following Royal Assent

Although the bill has passed, assisted suicide is still at least 18 months away.