Prayers in conjunction with Malaysia's 50th Anniversary

This year the churches in Malaysia are observing prayers for peace or peace vigils in relation to our country's observance of the 50th anniversary of Independence (August 15th to Sept. 16)

1) Indigenous National Conference, 27-30th August

On the 27th August, an ecumenical service was held in Ipoh, where church leaders from the different indigenous communities gathered to commemorate Malaysia's 50 years of independence.

In the message delivered at the worship service by Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, he emphasized that although Malaysia has progressed significantly in the past 50 years, the social and economic development of indigenous communities have not.

The churches have a role to play in advancing the legitimate concerns of the indigenous communities, by speaking-up and highlighting concerns in the media.

2) Ecumenical 50th Anniversary National Day Service, 29th August

A large crowd gathered for the national day service which was held at the Anglican Church of St. Paul's in Petaling Jaya.

The service was led by Bishop Ng Moon Hing and he was assisted by others from the family of churches of CCM.

The message was delivered by Rev. Thomas Philips of the Mar Thomas Church, the current President of CCM. 

He called for the churches active participation in maintaining peace in the country, but not at the expense of justice. Freedom of Religion seems to remain one of the thorny issues of nation-building, in spite of 50 years of independence.

Religions can contribute to peace when they work for peace with justice based on shared universal values.

3) Interfaith Prayer for Freedom and Peace, 12th September 

Within the framework of an alternative observance of 50 years of independence, from the perspective of Human Rights by civil society, NGOs and Religious groups, an interfaith Prayer was held at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur on 12th September.

Representatives from the different religious communities in the country participated in symbolic acts to remember the victims of human rights abuses in the country.

Different ethnic communities and religious groups came together to offer prayers for the nameless and faceless victims of racism.

Religious leaders also participated in a seminar to support the proposal for "Truth and Reconciliation Commission", to offer victims of human rights abuses in the country to find a safe space to share their plight.