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strong>Sept. 13, p2

A meeting of leaders from several religious groups provided no definite opposition on Friday to people of different faiths from marrying without having to convert.

The groups participating in the meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Central Jakarta, comprised the MUI, the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), the High Council of Confucianism in Indonesia (Matakin), the Council of Buddhist Communities (Walubi), the Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI) and the Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI).

Your comments:

When you ask the opinion from the religious side, especially Islam, then interfaith marriages would never be allowed. I can understand this MUI stance.

However, Indonesia is not a religious country. nor is it an Islamic country. I think it'€™s fair for the government to make room for these kinds of marriagea. People could marry at their own risk. The option should be available for them. Even for Muslims if they choose to.

Muslims just need to teach their children that such a union is not acceptable in Islam. Just educate them properly in the teachings so they can avoid such forbidden unions of their own will. I think it would be fair for everyone.

Rio Rivai

Marriages can be a lifelong success, a disaster, or anything else in between. It'€™s got nothing to do with mixed religions.

However, I agree that there is one problem that can be found around a mixed marriage '€” it is the bigoted moronic religious hatred shown by some intolerant idiots who are upset seeing two young people in love wanting to get married.

The state should take the lead in educating people away from this antisocial hatred.

Terry