Fr John Prior a missionary from East Timor, Indonesia shared with us the Asian Youth Spirituality…..quoted St Catherine of Sienna “Be who god what you become, the world will be set on fire.” The youth have the power to change the world. The three areas of youths that needs real focus are:

1. Identity

2. Uncertainty

3. Relationship

 

Bali - South East Asia 2 Youth Ministers' meeting

Bali Meeting  - 14th to 18th June 2011

Media Statement: Authorities must take action against irresponsible, baseless and provocative reporting

Media Statement: Authorities must take action against irresponsible, baseless and provocative reporting

A national Malay language daily, Utusan Malaysia, today (7^th May 2011) carried a report under the headlines “Malaysia negara Kristian?”, (Malaysia, a Christian country?) where it was alleged that Christian leaders (paderi-paderi or priests/pastors) who at a closed door meeting in Penang had vowed to make Malaysia the official religion of Malaysia and to install a Christian as its Prime Minister. It was further reported that a meeting was to take place this evening at the Catholic Christian Centre (Pusat Kristian Katolik) in Penang and a public lecture will be organized tomorrow.

On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Malaysia, I would like to categorically refute the allegation that such a meeting had taken place or will take place in a Catholic venue in Penang. It is clear that this reporting is baseless and highly irresponsible as the reporters and editors of the above newspaper have not taken any reasonable steps whatsoever to verify the allegations made by anonymous bloggers. Furthermore, this report comes after the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF), one of the organizers of the above meeting, having refuted the claims of those bloggers and the same was carried on online media. The NECF has further clarified that this meeting only covered the topic of ethical leadership and had no treasonous agenda as alleged by the bloggers and news report.

It is clear that such reporting has the effect of creating religious disharmony, inciting hatred and heaping odium on Christians. We therefore call upon the authorities and the police to immediately make a thorough investigation of this matter to determine the source of these insidious, provocative and malicious lies and to take the necessary action against those who seek to threaten the multi-cultural and multi-religious harmonious make-up in this country.

We, Christians constantly pray for good governance by political and civil authorities. We also teach our people to be God fearing, law abiding citizens and conscientious decision makers based on justice which is reflective of moral and divine laws. In the recent statements of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) regarding the Al-Kitab issue, we had always reiterated our commitment and readiness to dialogue and work together with the government and all parties for a just and reasonable solution. It is clear that our position has never been treasonous nor have we advocated hatred, antagonism or animosity towards any religion or groups of persons.

I continue to call upon all Catholics, Christians and all Malaysians to pray, dialogue and work together to strengthen national unity and harmony. May God bless our leaders with a firm vision and the courage and strength to uphold and realise it. 

Tan Sri Datuk Murphy Nicholas Pakiam DD

Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur

President, Catholic Bishops of Malaysia 

7^th May 2011

Worship @ Workplace Weekend Programme - (Mandarin Speaking Single Adults)

A weekend session was concluded on 3rd April afternoon. 29 single adults attended this programme. 2 invited speakers spoke on 2 different perspectives.

First one was conducted by James Yeap, he speaks on "work ethics based on Christian values", sharing on his experience in the construction industry. Second one was presented by Philip Ng, the main theme of the workshop - "Worship at Workplace". He shared on his ministry to the Lord amidst of his hectic schedule. He also led the participants in a praise and worship session. 

There's a sharing session among the participants in the evening. They introduced themselves and shared on their Godly experience to their new friends. The programme was concluded with a mass celebrated by Fr. Dominic Santhiyagu.

Amazing Grace

Islander Tamil Youth Network is organising "Race to Rise III" this year.

Themed the “Amazing Grace”.

Date:   21 May 2011 (Saturday)
Time:  7.00am-7.00pm
Fee:   RM15/pax (inclusive of Bus Fare(for game) and meals)
Venue: School Field of Convent Pulau Tikus Primary School.

For Registration and Enquiries, please contact Simon (017-4078514) or John (017-4786609).

We are called to be the True Servant of God

Lord Jesus Christ, knowing the very fact that the sufferings to go through, in obedience to His Father's will, carry on with His earthly mission.

Before His passion, prepares His disciples including the one destined to be lost. He took out His outer-garments which can be interpereted as our pride and ego. Put on the towel to wash the feet of His followers. With the ultimate humility, we must imitate what He shown unto us, serve others regardless of who they are as we are all the same in the eyes of God.

So, let us imitate Christ to be a pure servant, serve without any other intentions and hidden agendas. Let the pride and glory be to God. Have faith that what we does will be favorable to Him, and the rewards awaits us at the end of the day.

10-point SOLUTION AD HOC AND SHORT-TERM RESOLUTION - [CFM MEDIA STATEMENT]

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

14th April 2011

10-point SOLUTION AD HOC AND SHORT-TERM RESOLUTION

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) takes note of the Prime Minister’s
letter dated 11 April 2011 in relation to the collective decision of the Cabinet
on the 10-point solution to address the Alkitab or Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia
Bible and other related issues.

We consider the 10-point solution to be an ad hoc and short-term resolution
to the two consignments of Alkitab which have been impounded at Port Klang
and the Port of Kuching.

We reiterate that the Bible is our Holy Scripture and it is our right to read,
study and pray with it in the language of our choice as freedom of religion is
enshrined under our Federal Constitution.

The 10-point solution deals with the impounding of the Alkitab but not with
the prohibition of publications containing the word “Allah”. The root cause of
the problem of the impounding of the Alkitab lies in the following:

a. The 1982 prohibition of the Alkitab and the 1983 prohibition of the
Perjanjian Baru under the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) on the
grounds that the Alkitab is prejudicial to national interest and the
security of Malaysia.

b. The 1986 administrative order prohibiting the use of the term “Allah” in
Christian publications on the grounds of public order and prevention of
misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians.

c. The Garis Panduan of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan dan Teks
Al-Quran of the Ministry of Home Affairs prohibiting the use of the
word “Allah”.

In this regard we refer to item 9 of the 10-point solution which reiterates the
Government’s commitment to address religious issues. The Government,
therefore, should take immediate steps to remove the root causes by revoking
the orders made under the ISA and the administrative order and to amend the
Garis Panduan to remove the prohibition.

The “one country two policies” approach is confusing and unacceptable. We
look forward to working with the Government to address other long standing
issues affecting the Christian community including the relevant provisions in
the State Enactments.

Yours sincerely,

(signed)
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia