PoG Interfaith GITJ Jembulwunut, September 14,2022.
Religious diversity is not something that separates citizens in society. On September 14, 2022 people of different faiths got together for a Power of Goodness event. This was hosted by GITJ (Javanese Mennonite church) Jembulwunut in collaboration with Church and Peace Member Development Institute (LPAGP),, Peace Place Pati, Nahdlatul Ulama Multipurpose Ansor Front (Banser NU(An islamic organization)), Buddhists and the Youth Association of Sendang Agape (Catholic), all from Gunungwangkal sub-district of Pati.
Cooperation is the theme of the event. To introduce themselves, the thirty participants went to three different groups and shared experiences of collaborating with people from different religions. We noticed the need for the participants to feel safe and comfortable. The game “Big Wind Blows” made participants more confident to introduce themselves by sharing about their talents, favorites, traits and life experiences. In small group discussion, the participants shared experiences in which they had had difficulty collaborating with people different from them, specifically people of different religions, and further discussed their commitments in building and strengthening cooperation with others.
It was the first time for Ahmad Abu Amar to attend a workshop with participants from different religions. He recalled how trust and cooperation was vital in maintaining security and safety during the ceremony of the Buddhist Vihara in Giling Village, as well as during Christmas celebrations.
For the Buddhists, they observed how Power of Goodness helped open the minds of the participants. “This helps me realize how to work for peace and uplift humanity”, Nono Sarjono shared. Furthermore, Suripto, a Buddhist priest, acknowledged the significance of respect and the need to communicate and understand each other better. He recalled how his child suffered bullying from other children in school because of the differences in religion. However, with his advice of persistent politeness with others, his child greeted others with kindness, and was eventually accepted by others.
Setyawan Dwi Nugroho, from the hosting church, shared how this opportunity of bringing together Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists fostered interfaith togetherness. Eko Winarno, a Pastor from GITJ Gunungwungkal, experienced how the activity helped in building relationships between communities, taking away negative assumptions towards others, especially people of different religions.
Indeed, the workshop facilitated realizations of connections, strengthening relationships, and cooperation between participants. Openness to others, as well as respect for individual differences are instruments for us humans to live in harmony and peace. Creating opportunities to celebrate the power of kindness and cooperation is one way to introduce building a life without violence and living it with peace.
For the first time, an interfaith gathering was held at GITJ Jembulwunut church. We recall way back in 2007, relationships between people of different religions were difficult in the area. At that time, the church congregation had difficulties in constructing, repairing or replacing church buildings. Several residents belonging to other religions objected to the construction on the grounds of licensing. After some years, they got together again.
Sharing in groups of three, Interfaith PoG, cooperation theme, GITJ Jembulwunut
Reflection Agreement to practice