Archive for the ‘Church’ Category
The CCM Youth Network is really facilitating some very stimulating opportunities for engagement. Check this one out:
You are all invited to the 2nd of the series of The Daniel Lectures.
This time around, we will be inviting Dato’ Chua Jui Meng, former BN
Health Minister and MCA leader, but now PKF Chief of Johor.Details are as follows:
THE DANIEL LECTURES
Speaker: Dato’ Chua Jui Meng
Moderator: Andrew Khoo, Council Member & Chair of Human Rights
Committee, Malaysia Bar Council
Title: Our Eyes are on You, Lord!
When: 8pm Sept 2 Thurs
Where: St Paul’s Church, Lorong Utara Kecil, 46200 PJ, Selangor
for more information go to http://www.facebook.com/saysorryday
Listening to Ewan so excited about his
“Toy Story” puzzle brought a smile on my face.
Sometimes there’s a strange awkward silence around the dinner table, and it makes you wonder what on earth is floating in people’s minds.
Why is the air conditioning so cold in hotels?
Can someone stop playing the same saxophone music over and over again?
No one likes conflict, but then we are often put in situations where we need to confront someone or a scenario head on. We know we need to do it, but how?
Wisdom is a rare commodity. Acting dumb is easier.
I must have been pretty exhausted to actually manage to nap in the crammed up seat on an Air Asia flight.
The blessed bonus was to read a pretty on good short book on eternal life and eschatology. These Catholic theologians can write!
These easy listening music is really hard on my ears.
I like train rides. There’s something unhurried about the whole journey. My mind is drawn back to some memories of my first train ride experience in Germany all by myself. It was fun!
Arrghhh! The music here is driving me nuts!!!!
I’m going to really appreciate silence.
In fact some inner silence will help me in the coming hours and days.
I’m glad the The Micah Mandate reproduced “An Affirmation on Christian Witness” from the Christian Federation Malaysia as a reference first for Christians, and secondly for the wider public.
In the light of recent controversies over the issue of conversion it is pertinent to revisit a document that the CFM put together in 1996 that outlines its position on the matter of evangelism. This is a position that churches should study and teach as a standard of practice. This is a position that has found great acceptance amongst the different members of the MCCBCHST (Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism). We reproduce the document below.
* * *
THE CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALASIA fully appreciates the multi-religious and multi-ethnic context of Malaysian society with its attendant sensitivity and delicacy of cultures and custom.
IN SUCH A CONTEXT, it is of very great importance that we the Christian community in Malaysia obey GOD’S WORD in the HOLY BIBLE to love our neighbours as ourselves and to do all within our control to keep the peace and to work towards national integration. We pray to GOD for continuing and deepening harmony among all Malaysians.
“lf it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (The Holy Bible, Romans l2.l8)
“Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour.” (The Holy Bible, Romans l5.2)
FOLLOWERS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH are duty bound to share THE GOSPEL OF JESUS to any who consent to learn or listen to it. But in so doing, we must also be bound by the very high ethical standards practiced and prescribed by OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF.
FREEDOM OF RELIGION is specified and safeguarded in the Federal Constitution. lt is a fundamental human right. From a Christian perspective, every right presents us with a solemn responsibility: that we value it for every human being, we protect and defend it, we practice it for the common good and in a spirit of fairness to all, and that it is not abused and taken unfair advantage of.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST prescribes the golden rule that “ln everything do to others as you would have them do to you.” (The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7.12). Due consideration must therefore be given to the other person and the same rules of conduct must apply to both parties.
IN SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, unethical means do not justify a righteous end. IN spreading religious faith and introducing religious practices, everyone ought at all times to refrain from any manner of coercion or persuasion that could be regarded as dishonourable or unworthy since such action would be an abuse of one’s right and a violation of the rights of others. Unethical means can only bring poor and temporary results, shame, guilt and ill-repute to the Christian Faith. In this matter, we appeal to heads of churches and senior Christian leaders to help Christians under their charge to adopt only wholesome approaches to sharing the Gospel.
THE CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA invites all Christian churches and person in Malaysia to affirm the following in their practice of sharing the Gospel of Christ:
- The Holy Spirit is eminently able to touch lives and bring about genuine conversion in His own way.
- As His human instruments, we do not have to resort to questionable means to persuade men and women.
- Our acts of compassion towards our fellow human beings, especially the poor and needy, should not be made conditional on their response or attitude to Christ.
- Our desire to share Christ in any of our activities and programmes should not be hidden but made clear to people from the start.
- No one will be forced to listen or respond to our Christian message or attend any Christian function against his or her own wish.
- Baptism will be preceded by adequate preparation of teaching and orientation during which time the person can reconsider his or her religious convictions and seek advice from whomsoever he or she wishes.
- Our main focus is to share Christ and what He has to say and to offer to human beings, not to ridicule or unfairly criticize other religious beliefs or practices.
- Entrance into another person’s home is subject to the person’s convenience and welcome, and the purpose of the visit should be made clear.
- Christian literature which is being circulated should bear the name and address of the church or institution of origin.
- We should abstain from distributing Christian literature in the vicinity of the place of worship of another faith or the place where a religious festival or celebration of another faith is taking place.
- Prayer for the sick will be said only if the person wants or requests it.
- As we desire to share our faith with others, we should also give them the opportunity to share their faith with us.
IT IS ONLY WHEN WE CONSTANTLY CONSULT WITH ONE ANOTHER within the Christian community will we achieve a deeper understanding of CHRIST’S TRUTH and arrive at a better way of living out OUR FAITH IN CHRIST.
“And I will show you a more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful; it does not respond in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (The Holy Bible. 1 Corinthians 12.31-13.8)
PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(signed)
Bishop James Chan,
Chairman
Bishop Datuk Yong Ping Chung
Vice-Chairman
GS Dr Prince Gunaratnam
Vice-Chairman
December 19, 1996
* * *
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 146, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk
9 August 2010
CFM CONCERNED OVER “FORCED” CONVERSIONS OF THE ORANG ASLI PEOPLE
The Christian Federation of Malaysia is very concerned by the allegations of “forced” conversions of the Orang Asli people as reported by Aljazeera in their news item entitled “Malaysia ethnic tribes ‘forced to convert’” (see http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/08/2010886496589764.html)
Every Malaysian has the right to choose his or her religious beliefs based on personal conviction as guaranteed under Article 11 of our Federal Constitution.
The allegations that “facilities and easy access into the villages” will be gained by conversions in the report should be investigated fully so that any wrong-doings by persons or organisations may be brought to light and stopped immediately.
Any development programme of the Government to lift Malaysians out of poverty should be without strings attached. Whilst we note that the Malaysian Department of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA) has stated that “development program such as electricity, water supply, housing and other basic infrastructure given to Orang Asli communities are based on their need and not their religion”, yet we see in the video clip that those who converted received new homes and enjoy modern amenities while those who don’t continue to live in their huts.
We believe that the promotion of conversions-in-name to gain “facilities and easy access to villages”, if true, is an abuse of executive powers (which ought to be exercised for the public good) for insidious sectarian purposes. Ultimately, such practices would tend to create a community lacking in integrity and true freedom of choice where people are encouraged to compromise their beliefs, culture and identity by means of economic duress and inducements.
Bishop Ng Moon Hing,
Chairman and the Executive Committee
The Christian Federation of Malaysia
Joint declaration on the freedom of religion and the right to conversion
It seems to me rather than side stepping this matter it’s better to be up front about it. In Norway, they have taken the initiative to combat islamophobia. How about in Malaysia? Combat christophobia anyone?
The Islamic Council of Norway and the Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations jointly declare that everyone is free to adopt the religious faith of their choice. We denounce, and are committed to counteracting all violence, discrimination and harassment inflicted in reaction to a person’s conversion, or desire to convert, from one religion to another, be it in Norway or abroad.
We interpret our religious traditions such that everyone has the right to freely choose their religious belief and faith community, and to practice their religion publicly as well as privately.
Missionary activity and information to others about our faith must be done according to ethically accepted standards, that is, without the use of any form of force or manipulation. If freedom of religion is to be upheld, all conversion must happen freely.
As religious communities we experience joy within our respective contexts whenever a person wishes to share our faith and join our religious community. Therefore we also respect a person’s right to convert to a different religion than our own.Oslo, 22nd of August 2007
Missionary Activities and Human Rights: Recommended Ground Rules for Missionary Activities
Rather than telling people that we should stop missionary activities, perhaps the better way forward is the raise the standard and our code of ethics in the way we share about our faith to others and how we invite others to adopt our “religion” or “world view”. Let’s start with an excerpt on educational services.
Missionary activities and educational services
- When providing education for others, religious organisations should be transparent about their religious affiliation and/or objectives.- Missionary organisations maintain the right of those who run schools to promote their own belief traditions. However, religious organisations should never use the offer of education merely as a tool to gain a foothold within another religious community.
- When running preschools and schools, religious organisations should respect the religious affiliation of the pupils and not involve them in religious activities or expose them to religious propagation without explicit and voluntary consent of their parents or legal guardians. The schools should not prevent or discourage such children from practising the religion of their family while attending the institution.
- Where such instruction is customary, organizations that run schools which provide religious instruction should allow access to alternative religious instruction for pupils with different religious affiliations.
Guiding Principles for the Responsible Dissemination of Religion or Belief
14 Principles. Here are some:
To teach, manifest, and disseminate one’s religion or belief is an established human right. Everyone has the right to attempt to convince others of the truth of one’s belief. Everyone has the right to adopt or change religion or belief without coercion and according to the dictates of conscience.
In disseminating faith or beliefs, one should be truthful and fair towards other religions and beliefs. This requires comparing the ideals of one’s own community with the ideals of other communities, and not with the alleged failures of others.
No one should knowingly make false statements regarding any aspect of other religions, nor denigrate or ridicule their beliefs, practices, or origins. Objective information about these religions is always to be desired in order to avoid the spreading of ill-founded judgments and sweeping prejudices.
Using political or economic power or facilitating its spread under the guise of disseminating religious faith or belief is improper and should be rejected.
Malaysia tribes ‘forced to convert’
Malaysia in the news for the wrong reasons again 
Indigenous groups in Malaysia are accusing the government of using religion as a condition for development aid.
The ethnic tribes say infrastructure is offered to them if they abandon their animistic ways and embrace Islam – a claim the government rejects.
Foreign medical workers among 10 killed in Afghanistan
Blog reveals Afghanistan medic Karen Woo’s dedication
This is so tragic in the light of so much good these medical workers have done for Afghanistan.
The BBC understands that Dr Woo gave up a well-paid job with private healthcare provider Bupa to work in Afghanistan for minimal financial reward.
She died alongside six Americans, a German and two Afghan interpreters who had been working with Christian charity the International Assistance Mission to provide eye care in remote villages.
Her blog posts reveal that she was driven by a desire to improve the lives of ordinary Afghans – and spread the word about their plight.
DON’T MISS! The Daniel Lectures: Reinventing Malaysia – Malaysia Law Reform and Its Impact on You and Me!
CCM Youth is pleased to present the first in its public series of "The Daniel Lectures".
You are invited to an Evening with:-
DATUK LIEW VUI KEONG
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department,
Chairman of the Malaysian Law Reform Committee,
Government of Malaysia
Moderated by:-
ANDREW KHOO CHIN HOCK
Chancellor of the Diocese of West Malaysia, Anglican Church Malaysia
Council Member and Chair of Human Rights Committee, Badan Peguam Malaysia
“The Daniel Lectures” is a series of public lectures providing an ecumenical space for Christian engagement with leading Christian politicians and public servants for dialogue, learning, action and prayer on areas of nation building involving public service, politics, governance, accountability, transparency and justice. Using Daniel’s prophetic and civil ministry as a guide, this series hopes to narrow the knowledge gap between public and government in efforts to contribute more effectively towards nation building.
ALL ARE WELCOME!! Please RSVP. Registration opens at 7:30pm. Come early as parking and seats are limited.
This event is organised by the Council of Churches Of Malaysia Youth Network (CCM Youth). For more information, please contactccmyouth@gmail.com or CCM Office at +603-7957 1278 or +603-7957 1463.
When: Thursday, August 5, 2010 8pm to 10pm (Registration opens at 7.30pm)
Where: St Paul’s Church, Lorong Utara Kecil, 46200 Petaling Jaya