Over 400 including inter-faith representatives attend ACS Sibu’s Sarawak Day Prayer Service

SIBU (July 26): The Sarawak Day Prayer Service and celebration here last night drew a congregation of 438 people at Masland Methodist Church.

Organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) Sibu, it was hosted by the Methodist Church, Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC).

Themed ‘Mencipta inovasi dalam tadbir urus, berkongsi kehidupan yang damai’ (Creating innovation in governance, sharing a peaceful life), it was also attended by inter-religious communities working in both public and private sectors.

Methodist Church (SCAC) district superintendent Rev Wong Tuong Toh, who was organising chairman, delivered the welcoming address.

ACS Sibu chairman, the Venerable Jose Jol, recalled that on July 21 last year, the Sarawak Day Prayer Service was organised on an ecumenical level with four participating Christian churches.

“In an inspiring gesture of unity and faith, the Christians of the ACS Sibu branch extended a heartfelt invitation to all inter-religious communities, particularly Baha’is, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, from both government and private sectors – to join us in a powerful prayer for peace, harmony, and the well-being of all,” said Jose, who is St John’s Anglican Church vicar.

“Together, we stand as a testament to the strength of solidarity and mutual respect, embrace our diverse traditions to foster spirit of compassion and understanding.

“Let this gathering be a beacon of hope, demonstrating that through collective prayers and shared values, we can create a more harmonious and loving world for everyone,” he said.

Sibu Catholic Church Bishop Joseph Hii Teck Kwong delivered the Benediction at the end of the service.

This was followed by the cutting of 61st Sarawak Day cake.

Among those present were Joshua Ting – political secretary to Premier, who represented Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing; ASP John Dicky Ramba; Sibu Sikh Temple Association president Jagjiwan Singh; Sri Maha Mariamman Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy; Sibu Buddhist Lodge chairman Chia Soon Cheong; and Lisa Ngu from the United Committee of Sibu Buddhist Association.