Why Did Authorities Tear Down These Indonesian Christian Churches with Sledgehammers and Axes?

Aimee Herd : Oct 21, 2015
Samuel Smith - Christian Post, Reuters

Since the passing of Sharia law, which can be used to brutally punish, torture and kill non-Muslims and Muslims who disobey Islamic law, thousands of Christians and non-Muslims have fled from the province. -CP Report

According to a Reuters and Christian Post report, governmental authorities in the Aceh provide of Indonesia began tearing down small Christian churches at the angry behest of "hardline" Muslims. (Photo: Reuters/YT Haryono/via Christian Post)

The appeasement by authorities to destroy the churches came after a mob of "enraged" Muslims reportedly burned down two Catholic churches and one Protestant church last week. When Christians attempted to defend their houses of worship, one of the Muslim attackers was killed and three others injured.

A meeting was held following those events which led to the agreement by local leaders to acquiesce to the Muslims and tear down 10 church buildings.

Originally, the government had instructed the Christian church parishioners themselves to tear them down, however, they refused.

Paima Berutu, a church leader told the BBC, "How can we do it? It is the church we built to pray. It is impossible [for us to take it down]. Some of us watched [the demolition] from afar, men and women. It was painful."