KUCHING: Sarawak’s interfaith tolerance, diversity, and unity must not be taken for granted, as they are precious values in the state’s multiracial and multi-religious society that must be cherished.
Visiting Anglican Interfaith Commission secretary, Canon Dr Andrew Smith, said good interfaith relations was visibly noticeable in the city.
And in this context he said gatherings of various heads of religion rarely happen in other parts of the world, but that it is different here in Sarawak.
“We have delegates who have come from all five continents — from Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, as well as from the Americas,” he said during the Anglican Interfaith Commission courtesy visit and dinner here Monday night (Oct 14).
“And we are going to be spending this week reflecting on interfaith relations in a whole range of contexts.
“Some places are good, while others are challenging. And as has been said, this is a wonderful place to have that conversation, only because of your amazing example of interfaith relations,” he said.
Sharing about his visit to Kuching, Smith said he explored the diverse culture and observed communities mixing together in the city.
“I’ve been here for two days, and I’ve just had a glimpse of some of that as I’ve walked around and seen the mixing, the friendship that is just so obvious to a visitor in your city.
“I had the great honour to preach at St Thomas’s Cathedral on Sunday morning, and I said to the congregation, what you have here is very precious. Treasure it.
“Because in many parts of the world, this doesn’t happen. And in some parts, it used to happen and now has stopped.
“Also, to know that you are a blessing to us, we learn from you and are enriched by you. Thank you,” added Smith.
He also commended Kuching for its cleanliness, comparing it to Birmingham in the United Kingdom (UK).
“I was walking around the other day and saw the posters about making this a clean city.
“I have to say, I’ve been to many cities, but I think this is, without doubt, the cleanest I have ever been to.
“We have a city called Birmingham in the UK, and it has much to learn on that front from you,” he said.
Furthermore, Smith expressed gratitude to the Sarawak government on behalf of the commission for hosting the dinner at the Sheraton Hotel.
“I’m looking forward to spending a bit more time, in the brief bit of time we’ve got spare, to walk around your city,” he added.
