Message of unity: (From left) Ambrose, Archbishop Poh and organising chairman Rev Galvin Richard Ngumbang showing the banner of the joint Christmas service to be held in Kuching tomorrow night. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Christians in Sarawak can celebrate Christmas early in a joint service organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS), the first after a two-year break due to Covid-19.
About 2,000 people, including Christian state and community leaders, are expected to attend the service at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here tomorrow night.
Representatives from other faiths such as the Buddhist, Hindu, Bahai and Sikh have also been invited to attend.
ACS chairman Archbishop Simon Poh said Christmas was an occasion for Sarawakians to showcase their unity and harmony as Christians from different races celebrate together.
“Kuching is the city of unity and Sarawak the land of unity and harmony. As we all come together in celebration, let us pray for the spirit of goodwill to prevail in our nation and not allow racial polarisation or religious extremism to destroy the fabric of our society.
“Sarawak can be a model for Malaysia in the way we are all friends and work together for the common good of everyone,” he said yesterday.
ACS secretary-general Ambrose Linang said ACS affirmed its commitment towards promoting harmony and unity among all Sarawakians and Malaysians.
“We always strive to strengthen the spirit of belonging, unity and peace because unity and social cohesiveness are the pillars of socio-economic progress and development,” he said.
The Christmas service will feature Scripture readings and prayers in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Melanau, Bukar Sadong, Biatah and Iban.
There will also be a combined choir to lead the singing of Christmas carols.
“This will be ACS’ final official event of the year after the Sarawak Day prayer service in July and Christmas parades held recently throughout Sarawak.
“We were very glad to see such a huge turnout of people at the Christmas parades in places like Kuching, Miri, Serian, Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah, Bintulu, Limbang, Bintangor, Sri Aman and Kapit,” Ambrose said.
ACS is the umbrella body of Sarawak’s churches and comprises the Anglican, Baptist, Borneo Evangelical Mission, Catholic, Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist and Salvation Army denominations.
