History
History
By 1947, the Malayan Christian Council (MCC) was mooted and formed, finding official inauguration on 9th January 1948. The MCC was an unprecedented act of faith of the churches on Malaysian soil to stay and grow together through ecumenical cooperation.
The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM), formerly known as the Malayan Christian Council (MCC), was officially inaugurated on January 9, 1948. This marked a significant moment for the Christian community in the nation, as it demonstrated a commitment to ecumenical cooperation and a shared future on Malaysian soil.
Over three-quarters of a century, the CCM has played a prominent role in guiding the Christian community, witnessing profound transformations alongside the growth of Malaysia as an independent nation after 1957. Churches have evolved from being reliant on foreign missions to becoming autonomous bodies, fully responsible for their own life and witness in society.
As a minority group, the churches have learned to maintain faithfulness to the gospel while fostering peaceful relations with Malaysians of other faiths. The CCM has served as the central hub for this effort, acting as an instrument of common witness and a focal point for ecumenical commitment and cooperation among its member churches.
In 1997, the CCM celebrated fifty years of united witness and service. Today, the organization stands as a tribute to the pioneers of the ecumenical movement in Malaysia and expresses gratitude to all the leaders and members who have sustained the vision of greater unity among the churches.
PAST PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL SECRETARIES OF THE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA
MALAYAN CHRISTIAN COUNCIL (1947-1966)
| YEAR | PRESIDENT | GENERAL SECRETARY |
| 1947 | Bishop Leonard Wilson | Rev. Hobard B. Amstutz (Hon) |
| 1948-1951 | Bishop Edwin F. Lee | Rev. Hobard B. Amstutz (Hon) |
| 1952-1953 | Bishop Edwin F. Lee | Rev. J. R. Fleming |
| 1954-1955 | Bishop H.W Baines | Rev. J. R. Fleming |
| 1956-1957 | Rt. Rev. Dr. Ho Seng Ong | Rev. J. R. Fleming |
| 1958-1959 | Rev. J. R. Fleming | Rev. Chung Chi-an |
| 1960-1961 | – | Rev. Chung Chi-an |
| 1962 | Rt. Rev. Roland Koh | Rev. Chung Chi-an |
| 1963 | Rt. Rev. Dr. Ho Seng Ong | Rev. Chung Chi-an |
| 1964-1965 | Rev. R.M. Greer | Rev. Chung Chi-an |
| 1966 | Rev. Robert F. Lundy | Rev. Chung Chi-an |
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE (1967-1975)
| YEAR | PRESIDENT | GENERAL SECRETARY |
| 1967 | Rev. Robert F. Lundy | Rev. Wong Hoon Hee |
| 1968-1969 | Rt. Rev. Roland Koh | Rev. Wong Hoon Hee |
| 1970 | Rev. V.E. Thomas | Rev. Wong Hoon Hee |
| 1971 | Rev. V.E. Thomas | Rev. R. Chelladurai |
| 1972 | Rt. Rev. Datuk Basil Temenggong | Rev. R. Chelladurai |
| 1973-1974 | Rt. Rev. Datuk Basil Temenggong | Mr. V.D. P. Pillai |
| 1975 | Bishop C.N. Fang | Rev. Denis C. Dutton (Hon) |
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA (1976- Present)
| YEAR | PRESIDENT | GENERAL SECRETARY |
| 1976 | Bishop C.N. Fang | Rev. Denis C. Dutton (Hon) |
| 1977-1978 | Rt. Rev. E.B. Muthusami | Rev. Denis C. Dutton (Hon) |
| 1979-1982 | Rt. Rev. Tan Sri J. G. Savarimuthu | Rev. Denis C. Dutton (Hon) |
| 1983-1986 | Rev. George Vergis | Rev. Dr. Denis C. Dutton (Hon) |
| 1987-1988 | Rt. Rev. E.B. Muthusami | Bishop Dr. Denis C. Dutton (Hon) |
| 1989-1994 | Bishop Dr. Denis C. Dutton | Mr. Varghese George (Hon) |
| 1995-2000 | Rt. Rev. Datuk Yong Ping Chung | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri (Hon) |
| 2001-2003 | Rt. Rev. Julius D. Paul | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2004-2006 | Tan Sri Bishop Dr. Lim Cheng Ean | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2007-2009 | Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2010-2012 | Bishop Datuk Dr. Thomas Tsen | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2013-2014 | Bishop Philip Lok Oi Peng | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2015 | Archbishop Datuk Bolly Lapok (Acting President) | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2016 | Bishop Datuk Bolly Lapok | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2017-2018 | Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik (Acting President) | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2019-2020 | Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2021 | Archbishop Datuk Melter Tais | Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri |
| 2022 | Cor Epsicopa Philip Thomas | Rev. Jonathan Jesudas |
| 2023 | Cor Epsicopa Philip Thomas | Rev. Jonathan Jesudas / Rev. Philip Lok Oi Peng |
| 2024 | Cor Epsicopa Philip Thomas | Rev. Philip Lok Oi Peng |
| 2025 | Bishop Datuk Danald Jute | Rev. Philip Lok Oi Peng |
BUILDING THE ECUMENICAL CENTER
PROJECT VISION AND BEGINNING
The Council moved into its present premises at 26 Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya, in 1976. Over the decades, the building’s physical structure deteriorated, giving rise to serious safety and operational concerns. Following an investigation that revealed potential fire hazards and structural cracks, CCM leaders made the strategic decision in 2003 to rebuild the property as its sole proprietor. This marked the beginning of the vision for a new Ecumenical Center. The Ground Breaking Service for the CCM Ecumenical Center was held on CCM site on October 9, 2008. The building project of RM 12 million was approved by the member churches during the 13th Triennial General Assembly in 2010.
CONSTRUCTION AND FINANCIAL PROGRESS
Former CCM president, Bishop Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Lim Cheng Ean broke the ground at the CCM site by October 2008 and by December 2010, the main contractor took possession of the site. During the building process, the site was a hive of activity with numerous different tradesmen working side by side.
By April 2012 the construction was approximately 65-70% complete. The project budget remained at RM 12 million, with a funding shortfall of RM 4 million. A soft launch was scheduled for October 16, 2012, with a formal dedication planned for April 2013.
DEDICATION
Following a successful soft launch, a “Final Lap” campaign was initiated to close the remaining RM 4 million funding gap.
The new Ecumenical Center was officially dedicated on April 23, 2013. The CCM Heads of Churches who were present at the Dedication and Thanksgiving service were visibly moved at the realization that after so many years of praying and planning, the new center had finally become a reality. Many present at the service were also impressed by the facilities in the building, convinced that the Ecumenical Center will be a transformed place of ministry serving churches and the wider community in the country.
THE CHAPEL OF LIGHT
RECOGNITION OF SERVICE OF RAPHAEL SEIZ
Excerpts from Rev. Dr. Herman Shastri in "70 Years of Ecumincal Witness: Celebreation & Thanksgiving", 2018.
OFFERED HIS ART DESIGN GRATIS TO CCM
I first got to know Raphael in 2010 and discussed the possibility of him doing something in our chapel. Being an accomplished stain glass artist he had done many creations in churches in Germany and England. He was excited about doing something in Asia and graciously offered his service gratis for the sake of ecumenism.
In 2012 he came to study the building and met with the Building Board, the Architect and the Contractor. He would often sit in the half complete chapel to view the movement of the sun during the day as it hit the outside walls in order to get inspired with the design based on the theme: Jesus the light of the World.
One of the fruitful results of his meeting with the Architect Mr Ho Cheok Fai was the selection of the appropriate stone to be carved into the shape of a boat (Ecumenical logo) and to show contrast to the stain glass he was to create.
GOD’S BLESSING UPON HIS WORK
He was not able to make it for the CCM Ecumenical Center Dedication Service in 2013 due to other pressing commitments. He however came in September 2014 to participate in an interfaith conference that was organized by CCM.
When he arrived it would be the first time he saw the completed Ecumenical Center and the stain glass windows in the chapel and at the entrance of the building. At his first worship service in the chapel with the Taizée community he could experience the profound effects of colours of light filling the whole hall.
The most beautiful thing was when he went up to the altar to light a candle the sign of the cross was seen reflected on one side of the wall. When he saw the photograph he was greatly moved and accepted it as a sign of God’s blessing upon the work he had done.
As he returned to Germany he assured me that he had plans to come up with fresh designs to fit into the four plain window panels by the entrance to the chapel.
RAPHAEL’S LEGACY
The legacy he leaves behind through his many works of art in the form of stain glass fashioned and installed in various ways and forms in churches. What he leaves behind will serve as a testimony of the great contribution he has made to the church and to the world in his life time. CCM can be proud to have his legacy reflected in our chapel.
As a tribute to Raphael the following lines are taken from one of his lectures: “I find it hard to speak about this very special encounter about being touched by God in this way – perhaps my colors and my light art do this for me because colors and light attempt to bridge the gulf between human mortality and boundless love. The cross is not the end. It stands in the middle of the shining of the sun and the colors of light. The dream of a light which contains no darkness awakens and a longing blossoms for a light that is never conquered by darkness.”
He bore witness to the Gospel through his art.
HE SHALL BE REMEMBERED
The CCM has lost a true friend and an inspiring artist who was able to bridge cultures through the creative use of stain glass and light. May he rest in Peace. May God grant him a crown of righteousness for his art creations and his enduring influence in the world of Christian art.
The CCM had presented to him a beautiful plaque which expressed our gratitude to him. Our prayers and love go out to his siblings and friends as we share in their grief.
Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
A CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE OF CHURCH & COUNTRY HISTORY
1511 Early Christian presence prior to Portuguese conquest of Malacca. 1641 The Dutch captures Malacca from the Portuguese. 1786 Anglicanism comes to Malaya | Sir Francis Light gains control of Penang from Sultan of Kedah. 1824 British takes over Malacca from the Dutch following Treaty of London. 1882 Early Basel Christians arrive in North Borneo (Sabah). 1885 Methodist missionaries arrive in Singapore and Malaya. 1886 Establishment of Presbyterian churches in Malaya. 1901 Methodism spreads to Sarawak. 1905 Formation of the YMCA Malaysia. 1907 Formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church among immigrant South Indians. 1909 YWCA begins early work in Penang. 1932 Establishment of the Mar Thoma and Syrian Orthodox Churches following migration from India. 1936 Establishment of the Methodist Chinese Annual Conference. 1938 The Salvation Army and the Girl’s Brigade in Malaysia debuts in Penang. 1941-45 Second World War and the Japanese Occupation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. 1946 The Boy’s Brigade arrives in Malaya. 1948 Formation of the Malayan Church Council (MCC) | Establishment of the Federation of Malaya | Formation of Trinity Theological College Singapore. 1952 Formation of the Protestant Church in Sabah by Basel missionaries | Establishment of the Methodist Sarawak Annual Conference and the Methodist Sarawak Iban Annual Conference. 1953 Lutheran missionaries arrive in northern Malaya to work among ethnic Chinese. 1955 Establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Kuala Lumpur. 1957 Malaya gains independence (Aug 31) | Tunku Abdul Rahman becomes first Prime Minister of Malaya. 1960 MCC forms Negotiation Committee to work towards church union in Malaya. 1962 Establishment of the Anglican Diocese of Sabah and of the Anglican Diocese of Kuching. 1963 Formation of Malaysia (Sept 16) | Formation of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia & Singapore | Naming the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia. 1965 Political separation of Singapore and Malaysia | MCC relocated to Trinity Theological College from St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore. 1967 MCC renamed the Council of Churches of Malaysia & Singapore (CCMS) 1968 CCMS moves to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brickfields Kuala Lumpur. 1969 Racial violence and killings in the aftermath of the general elections (May 13). 1971 Incorporation of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. 1972 Elevation of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. 1975 CCMS renamed the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM). 1976 CCM moves to the old Student Christian Center in Petaling Jaya | Incorporation of the Methodist Church in Malaysia and formation of the Methodist Tamil Annual Conference and the Methodist Trinity Annual Conference 1979 First National Christian Conference held in Kuala Lumpur | Seminari Theoloji Malaysia opened in West Malaysia | Establishment of Malaysian CARE. 1983 Official inauguration of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) | Formation of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism Christianity Hinduism & Sikhism (MCCBCHS). 1984 Formation of the Bible Society of Malaysia. 1986 Official inauguration of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM). 1988 The Sabah Theological Seminary opened in Kota Kinabalu. 1998 CCM General Secretary serves as Executive Secretary of CFM. 1999 CCM prepares the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity liturgy accepted by WCC and the Vatican. 2003 CCM embarks on building a new Ecumenical Center. 2004 CCM hosts the Faith and Order Plenary Commission Conference in Kuala Lumpur. 2005 Fundraising begins for the CCM Building Project. 2007 CCM issues statement on Federal Court Judgement on Lina Joy conversion case | CCM hosts Asian Movement for Christian Unity. 2008 CCM hosts Malaysia Singapore Indonesia NCCs fellowship (MaSinDo) | CCM/CFM responds to detention of Alkitab with statements. 2009 CCM/CFM opposes restrictions of use of Alkitab | CCM Ecumenical Social Forum initiated | Tribute to Malaysian Christian artist Hanna Cheriyan Varghese 2010 CCM 13th Triennial General Assembly in Sibu Sarawak endorses RM12 million building project | CCM hosts 13th General Assembly of Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) in Kuala Lumpur | High Court decision on right on non-Muslims using the word Allah | Arson attacks on churches. 2011 CCM, CFM and MCCBCHST issue statements on Freedom of Religion including use of the word Allah | Government proposes 10-point solution allowing non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak to use Allah but not in Peninsular Malaysia | Islamic authorities raid DUMC in Petaling Jaya. 2012 The World Day of Prayer liturgy themed prepared by CCM Women. 2013 CCM office moves to new building | CCM 14th Triennial General Assembly 2014 Alkitab seized from Bible Society and later released| Federal ruling on ban on the use of the word Allah in BM Bibles | CCM GS led a team to meet US President Barack Obama | Federal Government’s 10-point solution on the Allah issue implemented | MH370 memorial service| Global statements in solidarity of the use of the word Allah. 2015 CCM and Roman Catholic Religious Superiors Council holds Day of Solidarity Malaysia for Unity and Peace | CCM Youth hosts National Economic Empowerment Conference | Bersih 4.0 Rally | CCM Forum on Rohingya refugees | CCM 2nd Regional Interreligious Conference on peace-building | Sabah Council of Churches response on the SOP for the publication of Alkitab | CFM 30th Anniversary celebration | CCM dialogues with National Unity Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup | CCA 14th General Assembly | Muslims demonstrators remove cross from a church in Taman Medan | CFM rejects new restrictions mooted for Alkitab. 2016 CCM 15th Triennial General Assembly | Signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification by Protestant and Catholic bishops. 2017 Disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh | Formation of Jawatankuasa mempromosikan persefahaman dan keharmonian diantara penganut agama | Joint Catholic-Lutheran Celebration Service | Thanksgiving Service for final payment of loans to the Ecumenical Center. 2018 CCM calls for stop of trend of attacks on places of worship | 14th General Elections leading to new Pakatan Harapan government dethrones BN 60 year grip over the nation | Federal Court rules against unilateral conversion | Federal Court defers Sarawak apostasy cases to Syariah courts | CCM Women holds Keep Our Children Safe workshop | Suhakam initiates dialogue with CCM | CCM commits to support Tabung Harapan Malaysia. 2019 16th Triennial General Assembly. 2020 CCM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Religious Activities under MCO. 2021 The Society of Russian Orthodox Church in Malaysia accepted as Affiliate Member of CCM | CCM join hands with corruption busting movement. 2022 17th Triennial General Assembly | CFM Christmas Hi Tea Reception hosted by CCM with Guest of Honor Dr. Wan Azizah. | CCM hosted CCA’s Asia Regional Consultation on human trafficking. 2023 CCM celebrated 75 years of History in a Thanksgiving Celebration | CCM hosted Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics & Management | CCM Hosted NIFEA Consultation on Labour. 2024 The Methodist Church in Malaysia was formally accept as a member of CCM | Acceptance of Our Daily Bread as Associate Member of CCM | CCM joined the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea at Zion Cathedral ELCM | MCCBCHST press statement on Mufti Bill | CCM Women’s Convention | Consecration of Temple, Russian Orthodox Church in Malaysia. 2025 CCM 18th General Assembly | Two new Bible translations by Bible Society Malaysia in Bahasa Malaysia | World Day of Prayer Service organized by CCM Women’s Committee.