Sept.7/10 Update

I'm sure many have heard about the Koran-burning that is scheduled for September 11th at a church in Florida. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and it comes as no surprise that there have been protests here. It has been especially unsettling because the event is falling on the holiday season of Idul Fitri (celebration that follows Ramadan) and foreigners have been given warnings to stay away from Westerner-frequented places that might be targets of Islamic backlash. It does not feel unsafe where we are, but this coming weekend is very busy with travelers (people traveling to hometowns, visiting family,etc.) and we have to be extra cautious. It's sad that many white people here, and in other countries, will now be assumed extremist Christians with similar views to those at ONE church in Florida...when that is so not the case. Specifically, MCC partners with Islamic groups and organizations in Indonesia for education and other work that exemplifies how Christians and Muslims can work together cooperatively. Hopefully this sort of example can help break stereotypes that may result from one small yet detrimental act that is far removed from the realities of Islam in a place like Indonesia.