KUCHING: The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) is calling on Christians to come together in prayer as part of this year’s Sarawak Day observance, reaffirming unity, religious harmony and social cohesion as the foundation of Sarawak’s continued progress.
Speaking at a press conference at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre on Tuesday (Jul 14), ACS secretary general Elder Ambrose Linang said the Sarawak Day Ecumenical Prayer Service would be held on Thursday (Jul 16) at 7.30pm at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stampin.
Held under the theme “Bless Sarawak with Unity and Prayer”, the annual service aims to bring together Christians from various denominations to pray for Sarawak’s leaders, communities and future while strengthening unity among people of different races and faiths.
“Let us not allow racial polarisation and religious extremism to destroy the fabric of our society which has been the main engine that has prospered Sarawak,” he said.
Linang said prayers would be offered for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, the state government led by the Premier and Cabinet, lawmakers and those in authority to continue upholding religious freedom, justice, political stability, social inclusivity and unity.
The service will also include prayers for education, the economy and churches throughout the state, while encouraging all Sarawakians to continue embodying the values of Bersatu, Berusaha, Berbakti and Segulai Sejalai in preserving the state’s multicultural harmony.
The programme will feature a reflection by Rev Dr Lau Hui Ming, president of the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC), while Archbishop Datuk Dr Simon Poh will lead the opening prayer and conclude the service with the benediction alongside heads of churches.
Prayers will be conducted in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin.
Members of The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade will hoist the Jalur Gemilang and the Ibu Pertiwi flag respectively before the prayer session begins.
The programme will open with a choir presentation by members of the Sarawak Council of Churches, followed by praise and worship led by a combined team from Sentosa Methodist Church and Siong Tau Methodist Church.
Christian-elected representatives at both state and federal levels, heads of government departments and leaders from various interfaith organisations, including the Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Bahá’í communities, have also been invited.
Similar Sarawak Day prayer services will be held by ACS branches throughout the state as part of the association’s continued commitment to promoting harmony, unity and mutual respect among all Sarawakians.
