JAKARTA - Thousands of Christians from 58 countries will gather in Central Java for the 17th Mennonite World Conference, early July. Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said this was a good momentum for Indonesia, especially Central Java, to bring a message of peace to the world.
Ganjar made this statement when he met the MWC executive committee at his official residence. Ganjar admitted that he was restless with the current conflict situation in various parts of the world.
“I've been uncomfortable these past few days with the conditions we see in the media. Violence, racism. Now this is good for us to bring a message of peace to them," said Ganjar in his statement, Wednesday, June 15.
The theme of the 17th MWC, entitled Crossing Borders, said Ganjar, was also in line with the anxiety he felt. Ganjar welcomed the event, and hoped that this activity could create a resonance of peace in the world. Moreover, Ganjar heard that the Mennonite community operates with a humanitarian and social background.
"So if there is a lot of violence against children and then racism that appears, it must be stopped. And I think this community can speak out,” he said.
This momentum, the governor continued, was appropriate because the event involved thousands of Christians from 58 countries.
"This is a good moment for Indonesia, for the community and the church, so that we can convey to the world that it is something important and we must voice it loudly," said Ganjar.
National Coordinator Agus Setianto explained that this MWC is an activity every six years. Indonesia was chosen as the 17th venue last year. However, it was postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic.
The opening of the event, said Agus, will be held in Kopeng, Salatiga, and the closing will be in the city of Semarang, Central Java.
Agus hopes that the presence of the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, will increase the enthusiasm of the participants. He also thanked Ganjar for being of the same mind as the mission brought in at the MWC event.
“Pak Gub ordered that if possible this MWC would bring a message of peace. Especially what happened in America, racist (events) and so on. If it can be voiced from this moment to be brought to their respective countries, especially America, "said Agus.
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