KUCHING: Christians are invited to join the Association of Churches in Sarawak’s (ACS) Sarawak Day 2025 Ecumenical Prayer Service this Thursday (Jul 17).
The annual prayer service, hosted by the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) this year, will be held at the at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stampin here at 7.30 pm.
ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang said this year’s theme, ‘Prayer for a Blessed Life: Sarawak Maju Makmur’x is inspired by 1 Chronicles 4:10, and aims to bring together Sarawakians of all backgrounds to pray for unity, peace and continued progress in the state.
“The service will feature scripture readings and prayers in multiple languages — English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Bidayuh Biatah, and Iban.
“For the first time, it will also include Tamil, reflecting the rich diversity of our faith communities,” he said in a press conference held at CEWC today.
The Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, Right Revd Datuk Danald Jute will lead the opening prayer and later deliver the benediction, accompanied by the heads of various churches.
“Preceding the readings of scriptures and prayers, the hoisting of Jalur Gemilang and Ibu Pertiwi will be carried out by the Boys’ Brigade and the Girls’ Brigade respectively,” he said.
Ambrose added that a combined praise and worship team from BEM will lead the opening worship session and congregational hymns.
“Prayers will also be offered for the Head of State and his wife, the Premier, Cabinet members, lawmakers, the police, armed forces and all those in authority.
“We pray that they may continue to work in harmony to uphold religious freedom, justice, liberty, political stability and unity in Sarawak,” he said.
The service, he added, will also include intercessions for Sarawak’s aspirations under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and for the state to remain a model of racial unity and religious harmony in the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’.
“In addition, the prayer service will also include prayers for leaders of other faiths, world peace, family institutions and youth development,” he said.
He also called upon all believers to uphold Christian moral values, be a witness to the community and contribute to peace and harmony in the state.
“It is time to pray for our beloved Sarawak and Malaysia for the spirit of goodwill to reclaim centre stage among all races of different beliefs and cultures.
“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 and Malaysia,” he stressed.
Ambrose said invitations have been extended to Christian elected representatives at the state and federal level, heads of departments, and interfaith leaders including those from the Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Bahai communities to attend the prayer service.
“This service symbolises unity in our Lord, and we call on all Christians in the city to join us.
“We would also like to affirm our commitments towards promoting harmony and unity among the people of Sarawak and our nation, because unity and social cohesiveness is the pillar of socio-economic progress and development,” he said.
Meanwhile, similar services will also be held by ACS branches throughout Sarawak.
Among those present was Elder Harry Pudun from BEM, who serves as the organising committee chairman.
