Demise of Rt. Rev. Julius Danaraj Paul

The Council of Churches of Malaysia is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of the demise of the Rt. Rev. Julius Danaraj Paul, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia on 22nd November 2008 at a boat mishap on Lake Atitian in Guatemala. He was 63 years old. Bishop Paul was there to attend a Lutheran World Federation Conference. 

The CCM mourns the loss of a devoted servant of the Gospel who had given his life for the cause of ecumenism. Bishop Paul, as one of the long-serving ecclesiastical leaders in our country, had offered outstanding leadership to the Council of Churches of Malaysia, and other ecumenical organizations in the region (CCA) and globally (LWF). He participated actively in the formation of the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia and the Christian Federation of Malaysia and served in important positions in those organizations.

Bishop Julius had enjoyed great respect and admiration from other church and government leaders as he was a passionate and relentless advocate of justice and peace in the country. As an ecumenist he had always sought the common ground so that churches could effectively impact social change in society.

Although it is sad that he has left us so suddenly, his life and contribution will be remembered and cherished by all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and relatives, particularly his wife Alice Paul and children Surenthiren, Naveenthiren and Lalitha.

Jesus said, “ My sheep hear my voice.
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life,
and they will never perish.” ( John 10: 27-28)

Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
General Secretary
24th November 2008