Walewangko.com – Jakarta, the 13th General Assembly of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) will be held from 1 to 14 November 2024 in Toraja, namely two regencies, Tana Toraja and North Toraja
The 18th General Assembly of the PGI is a celebration of faith for churches in Indonesia, and also the highest decision-making forum for the PGI. This assembly does not only belong to the church but also to the community.
In order to make the five-yearly celebration of faith, namely the 18th General Assembly of the PGI in Toraja, a success, the committee involved all parties, both elements of society, interfaith, interdenominational churches, and local governments in two regencies, Tana Toraja and North Toraja.
This was conveyed by the General Chairperson of the 18th General Assembly Committee of the PGI, Rev. Rev. Musa Salusu in a press conference held in the PGI Media Center room, Grha Oikoumene, Jakarta, on Thursday (3/21/2024).
“We are joining hands to prepare for the implementation of this General Assembly. In addition, it also involves the governments in two regencies, Tana Toraja and North Toraja, who have stated their readiness to provide support, even all possible facilities can be used for the interests of the general assembly later. Of course, not only the General Assembly, but also the activities that precede it, namely PRPG and PRPrG. We have prepared ourselves to welcome all participants, around 4000 participants,” he said.
It was further explained that various preparations continue to be made, one of which is accommodation. Not only hotels, but also residents’ houses that will be the place to stay for all participants. “The same thing is also done in every general assembly activity, where the houses of the congregations are used for participants to stay as a form of support and participation to receive participants, as well as guests and delegates, from within and outside the country,” said Rev. Musa.
On that occasion, the General Secretary of PGI Rev. Jacklevyn F. Manuputty hopes that this trial, and all events in this ecumenical event, will not only belong to the Clergy (church figures and pastors).
“But how will the congregation be integrated, not only providing their homes, but how can they participate in taking part in existing events. For example, how can the community fill special side events, which will later be prepared by the local committee,” he said.
In addition, it is also hoped that journalists will be able to endorse the preparations for Toraja so that the resonance will be even greater.
Regarding the theme and sub-theme of the XVIII PGI SR, the PGI Secretary General said that the theme and sub-theme will frame the PGI’s journey for the next 5 years, which is translated into strategic directions to programs and activities at the PGI level, but also inspires member churches to walk in the same theme.
As is known, the XVIII PGI General Assembly will take place on November 8-14, 2024 in Rantepao, Toraja, South Sulawesi, with the host and hostess of the Toraja Church Synod. The opening ceremony will take place in the courtyard of Tongkonan Sangullele-Toraja Church BPS Office.
SR XVIII PGI carries the theme Live as a light that produces goodness, justice and truth” (Companion Ephesians 5:8b-9), and the sub-theme Together Realizing a Plural Society that is Pancasilaist and at Peace with All of God’s Creations.
In addition to the celebration of faith, the General Assembly is also the highest decision-making forum for PGI. This assembly does not only belong to the church but also to the community. As usual, SR PGI will be preceded by the Church Youth General Assembly (PRPG) and the Women’s General Assembly (PRPrG) PGI on October 31-November 3, 2024 in Makale, Toraja, South Sulawesi.
The following is a series of news on the preparation and implementation of the General Assembly in Bumi Lakipadada, Toraja:
The General Assembly Schedule is as follows:
November 01, 2024 Opening of the General Assembly at Tongkonan Kete’ Kesu. Estimated: 4000 Participants
November 01 – 04, 2024 Church Youth Grand Meeting UKI Toraja Auditorium Estimated: 600 Participants
November 01 – 04, 2024 Church Women’s Grand Meeting UKI Toraja Auditorium Estimated: 600 Participants
November 05 – 06, 2024 PGI Full Workers’ Council (MPL) Session UKI Toraja Auditorium Estimated: 300 Participants
November 07, 2024 PGI Daily Workers’ Council (MPH) Session UKI Toraja Auditorium
November 8 – 14, 2024 PGI General Assembly UKI Toraja Auditorium November 14, 2024
Closing of UKI Toraja Auditorium General Assembly Estimated: 4000 Participants
(Reporter: Dharma L/Red.)
