KUALA LUMPUR — The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) hosted a prayer service at the Cardijn House Chapel in Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur on January 23. The 40-minute event was also broadcasted live on YouTube.
Present were the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and CFM hon. treasurer, Most Rev Julian Leow; CFM vice-chairman and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) Malaysia chairman Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng; Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and CFM hon. secretary, Bishop Thomas Low; CFM executive secretary Tan Kong Beng; CFM exco members, Rita Wong, and Dato’ Varghese George. Those who joined the prayer service online included Most Rev Simon Poh, the Archbishop of Kuching and CFM vicechairman, along with CFM exco members Arokiadass Anthonysamy and Pastor Samuel Ang.
This year’s globally recognised prayer service for Christian unity drew inspiration from a text prepared by the churches in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The chosen Scripture was from the Gospel of St Luke 10:25-37, with a special focus on verse 27: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”
Addressing the congregation, Rev Dr Eu emphasised the foundational importance of genuine love for God in achieving Christian unity. He urged, “If we are serious about Christian Unity, we must have this true love for God first. When there is love for God, then there’s love for neighbours and brothers, and only then can unity prevail. We must be careful not to put the cart before the horse.”
Dr Eu concluded with a heartfelt plea, “May God help the Malaysian Church rekindle its love for God, for only then will we recognise the imperative to love our neighbours. Only then can Christian Unity manifest itself in our nation.” — By Gwen Manickam
In Kuantan
The Church of St Thomas the Apostle hosted an ecumenical gathering for the neighbouring Christian churches.
The ecumenical liturgical service, which commenced at 7.30pm, was led by the parish priest, Fr George Packiasamy, who extended a warm welcome to the congregation, pastors, and church members gathered, urging them to unite in prayer for Christian unity.
The event, held on January 25, was organised by the Parish Ecumenical Ministry spearheaded by Frederick Lim, who had invited pastors, elders, and members of the Christian churches to participate in the ecumenical celebration. Among those present were Reverends Tham Eng Cheng (Grace Charismatic Centre), Wee Hoe Cheong (Victory Assembly), David Ratnam (Tamil Methodist Church), Christopher Rao (Wesley Methodist Church) and Simon Soh Wei Ming (Anglican Church), together with their respective church members and approximately 60 parishioners from St Thomas.
The liturgy included the Penitential Prayers, a Litany of Praise and Thanksgiving, as well as Scripture readings and sharing the Word of God. During the sharing session, Fr George emphasised the importance of unity among Christians in spreading the Gospel of Christ Jesus and being evangelists through our daily interactions with our families, friends, and people of other faiths.
Pastors Simon Soh and Christopher Rao were invited to share their insights on the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37) and the ecumenical gathering’s significance within the Catholic Church, aligning with the chosen theme by the Universal Church.
The church leaders expressed gratitude for the initiative taken by the Church of St Thomas in bringing them together for the inaugural gathering. Recognising the importance of regular meetings, especially in challenging times, they emphasised the need to practise Christian unity. Anticipating more such gatherings, they eagerly look forward to opportunities for collective prayer and collaborative efforts, aiming to nurture unity amidst their diverse beliefs. Inspired by the principles illustrated in the Good Samaritan’s story, they aspire to be good neighbours, embodying the spirit of compassion and cooperation. Following the ecumenical celebration at the church, all attendees were welcomed to join a fellowship meal at the Parish Breakfast corner. — By Francis Leong
In Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
Over a hundred parishioners from diverse churches in the Klang Valley gathered at the Evangelical Lutheran Church on January 25 to pray for Christian unity.
Present were pastors and leaders from the Presbyterian, Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Syrian Orthodox, Mar Thoma, Salvation Army and Lutheran churches, along with elders and pastors from the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) and the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM).
A poignant moment during the celebration involved the symbolic sharing of water from an earthenware vessel by Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Steven Lawrence with the heads of the participating Churches. This act, occurring during the procession from the church entrance to the sanctuary, signified welcome, hospitality, and fellowship, marking the official commencement of the prayer celebration.
The prayer service was further enriched by heartfelt presentations and messages from the heads and lay leaders of the different churches, underscoring the theme of loving God and one’s neighbour.
The choir and hymns, performed by Cantus Musicus and the Myanmar Children’s Choir from a refugee learning centre, added solemnity and joy to the celebration, creating a unique and resonant atmosphere. — By Maria Yan
 hosted a prayer service at the Cardijn House Chapel in Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur on January 23.){kind=link}