By Dr Tan Eng Bee, Kajang, Selangor
I
REFER to a report on the setting up of the Christians for Peace and Harmony
Malaysia (CPHM), headed by the former Secretary-General of the National
Evangelical Christian Federation (NECF), the Reverend Wong Kim Kong.
From
the report, CPHM may not be looked upon kindly by the different Christian
organisations and the Christian community at large.
It
was also reported that CPHM has the endorsement from Putrajaya. Unfortunately,
Christian organisations, such as the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM),
and the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM), among others, have distanced
themselves from CPHM.
At
a time where any peace initiative by any persons or organisations is most
welcomed, and which, I thought, is commendable to diffuse the deteriorating
racial and religious tension in our motherland, CPHM should have discussed the
need for the set-up with different Christian organisations representing
different denominations in our country before presenting itself to Putrajaya
and the public for acceptance, endorsement and approval.
CPHM
should have at least discussed and presented its goals and objectives with
national leaders of different denominations and the three national Christian
organisations, namely, CFM, CCM and NECF, before pursuing their initiative any
further.
The
setting up of CPHM is perceived as a rival Christian organisation wanting to
divide the unity of Christians and to usurp the other Christian organisations
already in place representing the different Christian denominations or
communities in our land. At a time when Christians have to act and speak with
one voice, any new organisation purportedly representing the community is
perceived as a stumbling block to their unity and identity. It will weaken the
Christian representation as a unit and a force to be reckon with, with the
powers that be.
I
doubt Putrajaya wants to see a fragmented, divided and weakened Christian
church, as it is better to deal with the three strong firm Christian
organisations whose representation is unquestionable, indisputable and all
encompassing of the Christians in this land.
Despite
what we know from the media about CPHM, I would think the Christian community
is better served with the national organisations, such as the CFM, CCM and
NECF, which have collectively done a tremendous job in bringing the concerns of
the Christian church to the forefront, and attention of the courts and
Putrajaya for consideration and adjudication. They have acted with utmost
responsibility and commitment, and let none question their integrity and
resoluteness in the handling of issues affecting the community.
I
doubt we need another Christian organisation to act for the betterment of the
Christians, unless the Christian community can be convinced that either these
three national organisations have failed their responsibilities to serve them
well. By all counts, they spoke up when issues needed to be addressed by
Putrajaya or when certain man-made rules and laws were found to be detrimental
to Christians. They have carried out their task with utmost respect for the
other faiths, in a restrained manner and with courtesy. In fact, the three
national Christian organisations have acted with commitment and urgency in a
non-confrontational and responsible manner with regard to the issues
confronting the Malaysian churches, such as the liberty or freedom to express
their faith without interference.
I
call upon CPHM to make its stand clear to the Christian community, and, at
least, get the endorsement or approval from the three national organisations
before moving further. Without consent from the three, I doubt CPHM will make
any headway, and in the course of trying to make itself visible and relevant,
it may be seen as a catalyst for creating discord and disunity among
Christians, despite its noble aim of wanting to promote peace and harmony among
the different religious and racial groups.
I
am not trying to put down CPHM, but I would want, together with local
Christians at large, to see that the newly-created body will not be a stumbling
block to the aspiration and wellbeing of the community. We just want to live
out our faith and belief.
No
offence or malice meant to anyone. Together with the Christians, I pray for
peace, harmony, unity and goodwill to prevail for the common good of all
religious and racial groups in our beloved land. God bless and prosper
Malaysia.
Source:
No comments:
Post a Comment