An Indonesian religious leader has told a visiting World Council of Churches delegation that Christians in his country see the US Democratic Party presidential candidate, Barack Obama, as a sign of hope.

The concrete wall behind the altar of the Christian Church of Central Sulawesi in Palu, Indonesia, is testimony to the depth of conflict there writes Maurice Malanes. But now peace is being given a chance.

A Catholic advocacy and development agency has called on the British government to fulfil its responsibilities to the people of East Timor, following a quarter-century of violence during which the UK supplied arms to Indonesia.

Churches working for and end to outbreaks of ethnic and religious conflict in Indonesia will receive a solidarity visit from an international ecumenical delegation sent by the World Council of Churches.

The church development agency CAFOD, says that the world’s newest nation in the 21st century, East Timor, has been successful in running its first election . Now the Timorese Government must start delivering for the poor.

Three Indonesian Christian women, who had been serving prison sentences for running a Sunday School attended voluntarily by Muslims, have been freed from jail after two years of a three-year sentence.

Heavy rains in Jakarta, Indonesia, have caused severe flooding, marooning many people in their homes and work places. Water rose to a height of nearly four metres in some parts of the city, much of which lies below sea level - writes Ferne Burkhardt from Mennonite World Conference (MWC)communications office.

Christmas celebrations for Christians went off peacefully across the majority Islamic nation of Indonesia - with the help of Muslim organizations.

Jubilee Campaign, the Christian-based human rights organisation has exposed the use of false evidence in the case against a persecuted Christian leader.