President asks religious organizations to unite

Tasikmalaya, NU Online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked religious organizations here on Saturday to unite to create inter-religious harmony.

"All religious organizations must unite," he said in his speech when opening the 14th Persatuan Islam (Persis) congress.&l<>t;br />
He said all religious organizations had to prioritize dialogues and shun violence to overcome problems that arise.

Violence will not settle problems but "will instead beget new problems," he said.

President Yudhoyono on the occasion also appealed to all religious groups to respect each other. "No group is allowed to force its will upon others," he said.

He said he was optimistic no conflict would happen if all parties understood their rights and obligations.

The head of state said he hoped actions that could stir conflicts such as burning a holy book and limiting freedom to religious activities would not happen again in the future.

President Yudhoyono specially called on Islamic organizations to become media for enlightenment and maturization of their members.

An Islamic organization must become a bridge for understanding between Islam, Eastern and Western civilizations.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono attended the opening of the Persis congress along with First Lady Any Yudhoyono and a number of cabinet ministers. (ant/dar)