Dallas Jenkins, creator and producer of the popular biblical series The Chosen, announced the completion of filming for the final scenes in Texas. After seven seasons reaching over 100 million viewers, Jenkins shared that the production concluded with a scene featuring the same boat used in the first season. He stated that the project's success was due to divine provision rather than human effort alone. Jenkins emphasized that the long process deepened his personal understanding of God's presence. The production team maintains that their mission remains a service to God, focusing on humility and hard work throughout the series' development.
Translated from Bahasa IndonesiaAlso reported by 1 other outlet
The Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia (PGI) and Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia (KWI) announced their 2026 Christmas theme, Light in the Darkness, during a meeting in Jakarta on September 28, 2026. The theme, based on John 1:5, addresses pressing national issues including economic hardship, environmental damage, and digital polarization. PGT pastor Mezisita noted that the church focuses on six crises, urging believers to celebrate with simplicity and solidarity. The statement emphasizes hope amidst darkness rather than ignoring societal struggles, reflecting the current conditions of Indonesia as highlighted by church leaders.
The Christian film Daniel and the Fiery Furnace premiered in Indonesia on September 23, 2026. Starring Mena Massoud and Elijah Alexander, the movie adapts stories from Daniel chapters one through three. The creators added dramatic elements, such as Daniel helping build the golden statue, to explore themes of idolatry and faith. The film received a PG-13 rating in the US for violence and is rated for teenagers in Indonesia. According to the outlet, the production aims to present a deeper look at biblical characters beyond traditional Sunday school narratives.
Catholic Youth (OMK) in Waisai, Raja Ampat, West Papua, distributed 34 trash bins made from recycled asphalt drums. The initiative, led by Alvianus Japa, aims to reduce plastic pollution at the Waisai Torang Cinta beach and other public areas. The group spent weeks cleaning and painting the used drums to create durable, aesthetic waste containers. Church officials, including Andro Hurint, praised the project as a practical expression of ecological care and faith. The effort seeks to inspire broader community responsibility for environmental cleanliness in the region.
A conflict involving the Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI) in Kampung Periuk, Tangerang, Indonesia, was resolved peacefully through mediation on September 20, 2026. Bishop Joshua Tewuh of PEMKRIS praised the rapid response of Gugun Gumilar from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Local authorities, religious forums, and community leaders participated in the talks. The parties signed a joint statement, with apologists expressing regret and promising non-recurrence. The Tangerang Regency government committed to facilitating temporary worship space for the congregation. PEMKRIS described its role as a communication bridge to ensure religious harmony and swift conflict resolution.
Sister Maria Silvia Bate, an Indonesian national from Flores, has been appointed as the abbess of the Benedictine Monastery in Orte, Italy, on September 27, 2026. She succeeds Madre Maria Giacinta di Maria, who stepped down at age 84. This marks the first time an Indonesian citizen leads a monastery in Italy. The appointment was celebrated with a Mass led by Bishop Marco Salvi, attended by Indonesian Ambassador Michael Trias Kuncahyono. The monastery, which houses 26 sisters, including 21 from Indonesia, has a long history of spiritual cooperation between Italy and Indonesia dating back to the late 1980s. The event highlights the growing presence of Indonesian religious women in Italian monastic life.
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More than 40,000 churches worldwide have registered to screen the first episode of The Chosen Season 6 ahead of its official Prime Video release in November 2026. Creator Dallas Jenkins explains that the sixth season covers the final days of Jesus, including the crucifixion, which may be difficult for new viewers. Screening the series in churches allows congregations to discuss the context and themes of surrender together. The official season will air in six episodes starting November 15, 2026, followed by a theatrical film release in spring 2027. This early screening strategy is unprecedented for the production team.
On September 20, 2026, residents in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, disrupted a GKPI church service, with one individual brandishing a knife. Police intervened to prevent violence and facilitated mediation involving local officials and religious leaders. Although the group demanded the closure of the site, the Ministry of Religion confirmed the location held valid reporting documentation as a prayer house. The incident concluded with a peace agreement, and the individual involved issued a public apology. Authorities restored order and urged dialogue over provocation.
Sagir, a young child from Indonesia, underwent his first surgery at Rumah Sakit Immanuel in Bandung to separate three fused fingers on his left hand. The procedure addresses syndactyly, a condition present since birth that limited his hand movement. His family, supported by the OBI program, could not afford the treatment due to financial constraints. The surgery aims to improve Sagir's ability to grasp objects and prepare him for future schooling. This intervention offers the child greater independence and confidence, marking a significant step toward a more normal life for him and his family.
Catholics in Bitefa, Indonesia, are celebrating the completion of St. Michael Church after a 26-year construction period. The parish, part of the Atambua Diocese, will officially inaugurate the building on September 21, 2026. Committee chairman Wilson Naihati expressed gratitude to donors and clergy for their sustained support. Bishop Dominikus Saku and Pastor Robby Kiik also contributed to the project's success. The church stands as a symbol of community perseverance and faith, originating from initiatives by former TTU Regent Hendrikus Sakunab. The event will include a consecration mass attended by various supporters.
Obor Berkat Indonesia plans to support six additional early childhood education centers in West Papua with laying hens and supplies in October 2026. This expands the Garden in School initiative, which previously assisted four centers in Manokwari since April 2026. The program aims to provide nutritious food and teach children about food sources. Data from PAUD Bethel Prafi shows that egg sales helped fund chicken feed, creating a sustainable cycle. The organization states that the initiative helps children understand food production while improving school nutrition and resources.
More than 200 people attended an interfaith dialogue in Surakarta, Indonesia, on September 23, 2026. The event took place at the Santo Petrus Purwosari Parish hall and included speakers, joint prayers, and cultural performances. Surakarta Deputy Mayor Astrid Widayani attended and praised the initiative for fostering brotherhood. Speakers from Catholic and Islamic organizations emphasized that religion should inspire concrete actions for national unity. The gathering aimed to build closer relationships among different faith communities in the region.
More than 100 children attended the first outdoor screening of the Superbook animated series in Manokwari, Papua Barat, Indonesia. The event, organized by the GPKAI Makarismos church, took place on July 22, 2026, just before the start of a new school program. Although organizers expected fewer attendees, the gathering was well-attended by local youth, many from difficult neighborhoods. According to Sunday school teacher Stevanda Ince Luturmas, the children reacted enthusiastically to the creation episode, comparing the excitement to watching a football match. Following the film, the pastor led the group in a declaration of faith, and many children subsequently registered for the church's School of Life program.
The CBN humanitarian team, Obor Berkat Indonesia (OBI), held a two-day training for Community Health Volunteers in Semarang, Central Java, on September 7–8, 2026. Twenty-one participants from ten churches graduated as certified health cadres. According to the outlet, these volunteers will provide health education, perform basic screenings for glucose and cholesterol, and act as liaisons to medical facilities. The initiative aims to leverage local churches' community ties to offer sustainable health services. The cadres will serve their communities for two years in partnership with LKP Suluh Kasih Bangsa. The program seeks to bring healthcare access closer to residents through local engagement.
Michael Kahfi, a young man in Indonesia, faced severe backlash after converting to Christianity. His father disowned him, leading to financial hardship and isolation. The situation escalated when approximately twenty individuals threatened him at his boarding house. Michael hid in the attic to escape the danger, resulting in damaged belongings, including a broken cross. Despite the fear and rejection from his family, he continues to maintain his faith. The story highlights the personal risks some individuals encounter when changing religious beliefs in this region. His experience was shared via a podcast by Superyouth.
Following the August 15, 2026 Flores earthquake in Indonesia, the St. Peter and Paul Dampek Catholic Church in East Manggarai, Nusa Tenggara Timur, suffered structural damage. The Ministry of Public Works assessed the main worship hall and church hall as unsafe, while the pastor's residence remained intact. On August 31, 2026, congregants and police dismantled the damaged structures, incorporating local adat traditions. The ministry plans to rebuild the church using a design approach that preserves local Manggarai identity. Minister Dody Hanggodo emphasized that reconstruction must balance technical safety with cultural wisdom and community coordination. The project aims to provide a safer worship space for the faithful.
Organizers held an interfaith solidarity prayer in a major Southeast Asian city and a South Asian capital on September 15, 2026, responding to August 2026 Himalayan floods affecting Nepal and Tibet. The event, led by the Laudato Si’ Movement, FABC-OHD, and Radio Veritas Asia, united religious leaders from Indonesia, Myanmar, South Korea, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Nepal. Participants called for climate justice, renewable energy transitions, and improved early warning systems. The gathering emphasized that the ecological crisis in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is a humanitarian emergency requiring urgent global action and long-term recovery support for affected communities.
Indonesian Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar visited Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, on September 3, 2026, to deliver emergency aid following the August 15 earthquake. He handed over three billion rupiah to the Diocese of Labuan Bajo. Bishop Maximus Regus praised the visit as a gesture of human solidarity and brotherhood. The minister also met with students at St. John Paul II Catholic High School, encouraging them to maintain character and hope. The event highlighted the government's presence in supporting communities recovering from the 7.7 magnitude disaster.
Grace Immanuel Ministries will hold Symphony of Revival Vol. 1 on October 28, 2026, in Makassar, Indonesia. The worship night takes place at Balai Manunggal and features performers Redo Daeng Badjie, Franky Kuncoro, and Dave Gerard Que. According to the outlet, the event aims to unite churches and generations in prayer and praise. The venue holds historical significance for spiritual revival in the region. The organizers state the gathering serves as a moment for the local church to humble itself and renew its desire for God's work, emphasizing continuity between generations. The event is described as more than a performance, focusing on hearts seeking divine presence. The article includes a prayer for salvation.
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