INDONESIA: Court Denies Appeal of Three Sunday School Teachers
I wrote about this story a few days ago when Todd was interviewed on Janet Parshall's America, but today I wanted to give you a little more information. This story really touches my heart because I can't even imagine being a Sunday School teacher in America and having this happen. I want to ask you to continue to pray for these precious women and not only ask the Lord to comfort them, but to use them mightily for His kingdom while in prison.
The VOM site has the full story.
An appeal to the Supreme Court of Indonesia on behalf of three Sunday school teachers, Dr. Rebekka Loanita, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun, was denied on February 7. Their appeal contested the constitutionality of Article 86 from the Child Protection Act of 2002, which prohibits “deception, lies, or enticement” that leads to a child’s conversion. The Supreme Court will not hear or re-hear this case; it will only review the legal arguments concerning the judge’s decision.
Judge Jimly Asshiddique held that the Act was not unconstitutional and should not be amended, even though defense still contends that it violates the constitution’s guarantee that all citizens are granted the freedom to practice the religion of their choice. Even though none of the three previously stated methods in Article 86 were used to convert any Muslim children attending the Christian’s “Happy Sunday Program,”?not to mention that none of the children changed their religion?the three-year prison sentences stood. Also, the unjust verdict was upheld despite the fact that the judges and prosecution based the case on the evidence from fictitious witnesses who never appeared in court or gave testimony.