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
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".

Half of Armenian archbishops have been thrown in jail
Half of Armenian archbishops have been thrown in jail

The Armenian government has been in conflict with the church for a number of years now.

Catholics in Mozambique caring for survivors of Jihadist violence
Catholics in Mozambique caring for survivors of Jihadist violence

International attention on Mozambique is scarce.

New study uncovers why some people leave their childhood faith and others stay
New study uncovers why some people leave their childhood faith and others stay

A new analysis from the Pew Research Center suggests that decisions about faith are often made early in life — and once made, they tend to last.