Malaysian Church forgives amid flow of sympathy

Malaysian Church forgives amid flow of sympathy

Compiled by Michelle MY Chan
Special to ASSIST News Service

KUALA LUMPUR, WEST MALAYSIA (ANS) -- A display of sympathy and aid had come to a Malaysian church that was the victim of an unprecedented arson attack two days ago.

The Metro Tabernacle, an Assemblies of God church in Kuala Lumper had its administrative office destroyed by a bomb, received messages of sympathy, including those from politicians and Muslim groups.

The Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak condemned the attacks during his visit to the church. The King has asked people of this multi-racial country to stay calm and respect places of worship. Police had been ordered to beef up security in places of worship. The church has been offered a substitute venue to hold its services.

According to The Star daily, the leaders of Metro Tabernacle had issued a statement forgiving the perpetrators of the crime. They also thanked the government for condemning the attacks. “We have a congregation of 1,700 who are godly and forgiving,” said the church headed by Senior Pastor Reverend Ong Sek Leang. “It is a very sad day for Malaysia, but a great day to know that most Malaysians do not think like that (re: in religiously-divisive manner).”

The statement of forgiveness was made as Christian groups, lawyers of all faiths and politicians from the East Malaysia (Borneo) state of Sarawak loudly protested against any acts done to throw the country into chaos, The Star reported.

Two other churches were also attacked by Molotov cocktails on the same night. The Life Chapel Brethren Church’s front porch was reported to be slightly damaged while the Church of Assumption (Catholic) found a bomb which failed to explode. No injuries were reported. No party claimed responsibility for the crimes.

The attacks were widely-believed to be linked to an earlier High Court ruling which allowed the word Allah to be used in Christian publications. Whilst a delay of implementation had been in effect - due to an appeal to a higher court by the Home Ministry - protests amongst some Muslim groups have been planned. This was followed by the arson attacks, and a subsequent lacklustre turnout in the Muslim public protests.

The incidents are threatening to rupture an already fragile situation in the country where ethnic, religious and political interplay forms a delicate balance in its governance. With a majority of Malay-Muslims at about 60% of the population, Malaysia has always stressed and so-far survived by maintaining harmonious relationships amongst ethnic Chinese and Indians that make up the rest of the 28 million population headcount.

Since the official religion is Islam and it is unlawful to proselytize to Muslims, most of the 10% Christian population here are Chinese and Indians.

Pray for:
1. Swift, decisive and resolute leadership that will move the country towards peace and restoration of confidence.
2. The Church to respond appropriately in uncertain times within a multi-cultural society and religiously pluralistic backdrop.
3. The Church to avoid compromise, and continue to show love, forgiveness and compassion.
3. God’s will to prevail.