Day: June 12, 2026

The Indonesian Catholic Community Forum (FMKI) has issued a Moral Appeal urging stronger protection of democracy, human rights, and social justice in Indonesia following its 13th National Meeting held in Klaten Regency, Central Java, from June 4 to 6.

The appeal was formally released on June 7 at the conclusion of the gathering, which brought together representatives from Catholic communities across Indonesia under the theme: “FMKI Rises and Moves: Safeguarding a Democracy Rooted in Pancasila Values.” Klaten is located in Central Java, between the cities of Yogyakarta and Semarang, in Indonesia’s main island of Java.

FMKI is a Catholic civil society forum representing lay communities from dioceses nationwide. The meeting included participation from Church leaders and officials, including Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), and Mgr. Robertus Rubiyatmoko, Archbishop of Semarang. Delegates attended from across the archipelago, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua.

The Moral Appeal draws on recent Church reflections, including the May 20, 2026 pastoral message of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference and the outcomes of the 2025 Indonesian Catholic Church Grand Assembly (SAGKI). Both documents emphasized the protection of human dignity and social justice.

On legal and human rights issues, FMKI highlighted concerns over the rapid drafting of legislation with limited public consultation, reduced independence of law enforcement institutions, and the use of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), which has been criticized for restricting freedom of expression.

A resident of Rmeish whose daughter received her first Communion said villagers there have effectively been living in a state of war since Oct. 8, 2023.

Amid a rocket attack launched by Hezbollah on residential homes in the village of Rmeish in southern Lebanon, more than 50 children celebrated their first Communion in a testament to faith, resilience, and hope in the midst of war. In comments to local media, Rmeish Municipality Head Hanna Al-Amil said a missile fell between inhabited homes on Sunday morning and “narrowly avoided causing a major disaster.” Al-Amil stressed that the village contains no military forces, armed groups, or weapons, emphasizing that residents “simply want to live safely on their land, away from confrontation and escalation.” The people of Rmeish remain attached to their land and continue their lives “despite difficult circumstances,” he said, calling for the protection of civilians and for the village and its residents not to be placed at risk. 

According to local reports, one rocket struck the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, damaging parts of the church, while another landed within the grounds of the Sacred Hearts Secondary School, leaving extensive destruction to the building and its surroundings. “We have been living the reality of war,” Rmeish said, adding that the village has not experienced a genuine ceasefire at any point. “The children and their parents live in constant anxiety. We asked to postpone the first Communion to another time, but our parish priest refused and insisted that it take place.” Alam described the daily reality facing children in the village, saying they live without a sense of security or psychological stability. “My children pray and sing hymns all the time, and they live according to the news cycle. Some days schools are open, and other days they are not. Today the situation has become even worse because of the siege.”

In previous years, families would hold large celebrations for first Communion. This year, however, circumstances forced them to scale back their plans. “This year the celebration was limited to family homes, with no large festivities,” he said. “The number of children was also lower than in previous years because families are scattered. Some are in Beirut, while others have left the country.”

Church leaders and aid groups are calling for assistance and prayers for victims after an offshore magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao, southern Philippines, on June 8.

Catholic Church leaders, various religious congregations, and associations have called for prayers and support for all those affected by the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, southern Philippines, on June 8 leaving many communities in fear and uncertainty. The offshore earthquake severely impacting General Santos City on Mindanao, the Philippines’ main southern island. The tremor caused casualties and structural damage and triggered tsunami warnings. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos suspended school classes in affected areas of Mindanao and urged people in coastal areas to evacuate immediately. He also assured citizens that the government will provide necessary aid to people in need.

Expressing his solidarity with victims and all those impacted, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila said: “With deep sorrow, I join our brothers and sisters in General Santos City and the surrounding communities who have been affected by the recent earthquake.” He appealed for help for survivors. “In these difficult moments, may we draw strength from our faith and from the solidarity of one another,” he said. “I also encourage all people of goodwill to extend whatever assistance they can to those in need.”

In addition, Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan issued a pastoral letter calling for a second collection during Masses on Sunday, June 14. The collection will be sent to Caritas Philippines for relief assistance. The prelature joins the nation in prayer for the victims, the injured citizens, displaced families, and those people on the front line,” the prelate said. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the United States, is coordinating with its partners to assess humanitarian aid in Mindanao.