Gus Dur was a renowned religious reformer, a voice of moderation when his country needed it most, and a bridge between Muslims and people of other faiths. His unique voice and perspective will be missed.... His life's mission was to increase religious understanding and reduce religious extremism worldwide. Though the world produces few men of his talents, the mission he lived for should be everyone's goal.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Ex-Indonesian President, Moderate Religious Reformer, Dies
Voice of America reports that former Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid (know as Gus Dur) died on Wednesday at the age of 69. In a release issued yesterday, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Leonard Leo paid tribute to Dur's interfaith initiatives. He said:
