By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, July 14: The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) is inviting Christians across the State to gather in a spirit of unity and prayer at its annual Sarawak Day Ecumenical Prayer Service on July 16 (Thursday).
Themed ‘Bless Sarawak with Unity and Prayer’, based on Psalm 133, the event will be held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC) on Jalan Stampin from 7.30pm.
Aiming to bring together some 1,200 Christians from various denominations to pray for peace and continued prosperity, ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang said the prayer gathering serves as a powerful symbol of unity among Christians while reaffirming the State’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony and mutual respect.
The Methodist Church is hosting the service this year, with Jo Chiam serving as chairperson of the main organising committee. President of the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC) Rev Dr Lau Hui Ming will deliver a reflection on the event’s theme, while Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Dato Dr Simon Poh will lead the opening prayer before joining heads of churches in delivering the final benediction.
The multilingual service will feature prayers in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin, reflecting Sarawak’s diverse cultural and linguistic heritage.
Before the prayer session begins, members of The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade will conduct the ceremonial hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang and the Sarawak flag, respectively.
“Prayers will be offered for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, the Premier of Sarawak, Cabinet members, lawmakers, and public leaders, seeking wisdom and harmony as they continue to uphold religious freedom, justice, political stability, unity and social inclusivity.
“The congregation will also pray for leaders of different faiths, asking for greater understanding and mutual respect among people of all races and religions,” Ambrose told reporters at a press conference today.
He added that special prayers will also focus on education, economy, and churches throughout Sarawak, with believers encouraged to uphold Christian moral values, serve their communities and contribute to lasting peace and harmony.
The evening will begin with a choir presentation by SCAC members, followed by praise and worship led by a combined team from Sentosa Methodist Church and Siong Tau Methodist Church.
Christian State and federal elected representatives, heads of government departments, and leaders from various interfaith organisations, including the Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Bahá’í communities, have also been invited to attend.
ACS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity and harmony among the people of Sarawak, saying social cohesion remains a cornerstone of the State’s continued socio-economic progress.
Similar Sarawak Day prayer services will also be organised by ACS branches throughout the State. — DayakDaily
