To Papuans: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news

Not playing it safe: Papuan activists attending a protest in Surabaya on Dec 1 to mark the Free Papua Organisation anniversary. Racial discrimination of Papuans is still a big issue for Indonesia, with Papuan youths who live or study outside their home territory facing countless acts of racism. — AFP

AFTER reading the 10-point “Moral Call for Justice and Truth” from 147 Catholic priests of five dioceses in Papua and West Papua, including a sharp rebuke against the Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI) for its “reluctance” to speak out in defence of indigenous Papuans, the infamous remark of the Jewish high priest during Jesus’ crucifixion suddenly came to mind (he accused Jesus of blasphemy).

It is very rare in the Catholic tradition that priests openly criticise their leaders.