Minister of Religion Confirms Christmas Message of Solidarity

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANADO -- The Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof Nasaruddin Umar attended the Christmas Celebration at the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Manado, Wednesday (24/12/2025). The presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs confirms the government's commitment to caring for the harmony of religious people and strengthening interfaith brotherhood in Indonesia.

The High Imam of Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque was welcomed directly by Bishop Manado Mgr. Benedictus Estephanus Rolly Untu, MSC, priests, and thousands of Catholics crowded Manado Cathedral. In his speech, Menag delivered a Merry Christmas greeting to all Catholics in North Sulawesi and throughout Indonesia.

Nasaruddin insists that Christmas is not only meant as a religious celebration, but also as a momentum to bring the value of love, care, and solidarity into community life.

“In the midst of the nation's many challenges, Christmas reminds us that faith must be manifested in real concern for one another. Solidarity, empathy and brotherhood are the main forces in maintaining the integrity of the nation,” he said in a press release on Thursday (25/12/2025).

He also called on all religious people to continue to maintain unity and strengthen social harmony as an important foundation in building a peaceful, just and civilized Indonesia.

Bishop of Manado Mgr. Benedictus Estephanus Rolly Untu, MSC expressed his appreciation for the presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs in the Christmas Celebration. According to him, Menag's presence reflects the state's concern and concern for the lives of religious people.

“We are grateful for the presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs. It strengthens us that the Church and the government work together in building a harmonious and loving religious life,” Bishop Manado said.

The head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of North Sulawesi Province, Ulyas Taha, also expressed his appreciation. He stressed that North Sulawesi has long been known as a region that upholds the value of tolerance and harmony between religious people.

“North Sulawesi is a harmonious shared home. We maintain the value of togetherness and care with all elements of society and religious people,” Ulyas said.

Also present at the celebration were Deputy Governor of North Sulawesi Victor Mailangkay, Director General of Christian Community Guidance of the Ministry of Commerce RI, the Kanwil of the Ministry of North Sulawesi, Rector IAIN Manado, Rector of IAKN Manado, and other invitees.

The presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs at the Christmas Celebration at Manado Cathedral confirms the Ministry of Religious Affairs's commitment to continue to present the state in caring for the harmony of religious people, strengthening interfaith brotherhood, and maintaining the harmony of national and national life.