I am the minister of religion for all religions

SEMARANG, KOMPAS.com – Yaqut Cholil Qoumas visited GBIP Immanuel or known as Blenduk Church, Kota Lama Semarang, at the Christmas Eve mass, on Thursday (12/24/2020).

During his first visit as Minister of Religion, Gus Yaqut, as he is commonly called, arrived at the church escorted by dozens of Banser members.

Gus Yaqut was immediately received by Pastor Immanuel Yorinawa Salawangi to be invited to greet the congregation after the Christmas mass procession.

A few minutes later, Gus Yaqut came out and greeted the media waiting in front of the church.

Gus Yaqut, who was recently appointed Minister of Religion by President Joko Widodo, conveyed a message of peace and shared happiness with the people who were celebrating Christmas.

Gus Yaqut, who wears a black jacket, invites all religious people to make religion a source of inspiration to spread peace and love to others.

“I convey a message to the brothers who are celebrating Christmas, let’s join hands, let’s make this religion a source of inspiration to make peace, to spread love,” he said in front of the media team on Thursday (12/24 / 2020).

Also read: Minister of Religion Yaqut: We hope MUI’s role will be broader and stronger in protecting harmony in Indonesia

Although Jokowi had only been appointed for two days, Gus Yaqut assured the public that his position as Minister of Religion was not only for followers of one religion, but for all followers of the religion.

“Let me introduce myself that I am the newly appointed Minister of Religion and that President Jokowi trusted him to help him. Although I only have two days, I can assure you that I am the Minister of Religion for all religions, not just one religion,” he explained.

Gus Yaqut also advised people not to think that religion is the conflict norm for those who are different.

“Let’s get out of the assumption that religion is a conflicting norm for those who are different,” he appealed.

The GPIB Congregation Council, Immanuel Ida Lomboan, said that the Minister of Religion was not present predominantly for one religion but for all religions.

Also read: Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil: Celebrate Christmas with total simplicity

He also thanked the Minister of Religion for the visit to the Christmas Eve celebrations.

“Apart from wishing you a Merry Christmas. He is not a believer, but you can be with us. The Minister of Religion ordered to maintain harmony among religious believers, ”he said.