By Ling Hui
KUCHING, July 20: The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) will be holding a Sarawak Day Ecumenical Prayer Service tomorrow (July 21) starting 7.30pm at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stampin here.
After hiatus of over two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang said the service themed “You Shall Be A Blessing” (Genesis 12:2) will be hosted by St Thomas’ Cathedral (Anglican).
The chairman of the main organising committee is Dean of St Thomas’ Cathedral Very Revd Kho Thong Meng.
The Anglican Bishop of Kuching Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute will share his reflection on the theme while ACS chairman Catholic Archbishop Simon Poh will recite the opening prayer and lead the benediction with various heads of churches at the end of the programme.
“The order of the service will cover different themes of scripture readings and prayers. The recitation of the Holy Scriptures will be in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Bidayuh Biatah and Iban to signify that churches are made up of different ethnic groups but united in one belief and one God.
“Preceding the readings of scriptures and prayers, will be the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang and State flag by a federal minister and State minister respectively,” Linang told a press conference at CEWC here today.
He also said that there will be prayers for the Sarawak government, Premier, Deputy Premiers, the Sarawak Cabinet, lawmakers and those in authority, that they continue to work harmoniously in upholding Sarawak’s religious freedom, justice, liberty as well as political, economic and social stability.
“We pray for leaders of different faiths to have mutual understanding and respect among all races and faiths. We pray for all believers to promote true Christian moral values, witness to the community and to contribute to the peace and harmony of our State.
“There will be prayers for peace of the world for all justice and righteousness prevail in all countries. ACS calls upon all Christians in the city to join in the prayer service to symbolise unity in our Lord,” he added.
A combined choir led by Evelyn Lim will lead the congregational singing of hymns. All Christians in the State and federal governments, heads of departments and leaders of interfaith group such as Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Bahai have been invited to attend.
ACS also affirmed its commitments towards promoting harmony and unity among all the peoples of Sarawak and the nation as unity and social cohesiveness is the pillar of socio-economic progress and development.
Also present at the press conference were Kho, Sarawak Baptist Church committee member Roland Sawat, St Thomas’ Cathedral committee members Andrew Bungku and Canon Roannie Cannidy. — DayakDaily
