Gift Exchanges

The head of a conservative Islamic organization in Indonesia is offering hundreds of its buildings as sanctuaries for Christmas services. Indonesian Christians fear terrorist attacks as some extremist groups have attacked them and forced the closure of churches. But Din Syamsuddin, who chairs Muhammadiyah, one of the largest and conservative of Muslim groups said that "We invite our Christian brothers and sisters to say prayers on Christmas Eve and to celebrate Christmas in our schools and other buildings." His organization will also provide security guards. Local Muslims are disturbed about the violence being done in the name of Islam.

The offering was made at an interfaith meeting which originated a peace message for Indonesia to be read at the times of three major holidays: Christmas, New Year's Day and the Islamic Day of Sacrifice.

[via Jesus was a Liberal]