ORIENTATION OF NORTH SULAWESI CHRISTIAN EXTENSION: STRENGTHENING RELIGIOUS MODERATION FOR NATIONAL UNITY

Manado (DBK) The Directorate General for Christian Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs held a pioneer orientation for strengthening religious moderation for Christian extension workers in North Sulawesi in Manado on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. This event aims to increase the insight and knowledge of Christian extension workers about the importance of strengthening religious moderation in religious and state life. The chairman of the committee, Pelpian Situmorang, said in his report that this activity was attended by 90 Christian extension workers in North Sulawesi, which were divided into two generations. They will be facilitated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs' religious moderation working group team in order to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of religious moderation. The director general of Christian community guidance, represented by the director of Christian Affairs, Suriana Sitompul, said in her speech that religious moderation is a religious perspective and attitude that is in accordance with the condition of Indonesia as a country rich in diversity. "The value of moderate, fair, and balanced character must be used as a key in managing the diversity of the Indonesian nation. Every community has the same rights and obligations to build a harmonious life together," he explained. According to him, a Christian extension must be able to be a good example, unify, have high concern, and provide encouragement and direction to the people served in order to progress and be independent. "I hope that the Pioneer orientation activity on strengthening religious moderation for religious extension workers can promote moderation values as a benchmark for building religious attitudes and spirits. This will help create harmonious, humanistic, and balanced social interactions in people's lives," he added. This activity is expected to provide great benefits for Christian extension workers in North Sulawesi and will contribute positively to strengthening religious moderation in the midst of a diverse Indonesian society. The spirit to build a harmonious and united nation in diversity remains the main focus in carrying out religious tasks.