Being Politically Literate and

 Actively Participate in Church 

Sumba Student Discussion about Church and Politics

The follow- up of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta training on Church and Politics with a theme Young, Millennial and Politically Literate held last February 2019, awakened participants’ heart to share their experiences. The 'follow-up' group from Sumba took initiative to invite fifteen students to have a small discussion about political situation and church's role in politics in Sumba, at Kebun Laras café, Balirejo (03/14/2019).

Daniel Hamba Banju, a student of Village and Community Development Institute (STPMD), as the discussion lighter started the discussion by inviting participants to think about their understanding what politics was. Some said that politics was dirty, some said that politics was a way to attract people to follow what they want to achieve. Anton, an Agricultural student of Sarjanawiyata University, said that indeed politics was dirty, however, if all people thought it was dirty, who would change politics to be clean. So, young people should not be politically blind. Sarloce Apang, a team member of Stube HEMAT, who was also there to accompany, explained the difference between practical politics and theoretical politics.

After giving understanding about politics, the group then discussed the extent of Sumba churches to contribute in politics. Tania Taka, a student of Gadjah Mada University, shared her experience that year by year churches in Sumba continuously gave understanding about good politics and remained neutral. She also explained that her father was a pastor and ever elected to be a member of house of representative in East Sumba, and many of his programs were successfully carried out.

However, there were some participants who disagree if a pastor plunged into politics.  Alan Mehakati, a Forestry student of Gadjah Mada University, said that pastor was actually a trusted person in community, if he involved in politics, it would affect the harmony of the congregation that he served. From the discussion, Tania Taka also explained that there was regulation in Sumba synod that pastors who involved in politics,  were required to resign from their position in the congregation and were not allowed to preach.

Regarding young people’s role in church, the participants assumed that young people were still rarely involved in church service. They also revealed the situation of church in Sumba that used members’ offerings to start business, but brought no profit.  Such situation was so apprehensive, because offerings should not be used besides church service, because they were from the congregation and were used to do service for the Lord.

Based on the discussion, it was concluded that young people should not be apathetic to political situation, especially in welcoming democratic party. They are expected to know each candidate who will be voted,  to avoid miscasting. They also argued about a need for a change in church life, it is important for young people to take part in it, at least be active in church youth commission or be a church assembly to be directly involved in decision making at the church.

Let us participate and be involved in development, whatever your community is. (ELZ).