We thank God for His blessings on the Church’s ministry of bridge building. Inter-faith relations are an integral part of Christ’s gospel of peace and reconciliation, and not an optional extra.
On 26 Dec 2018, TRAC President the Rev Dr Gordon Wong, the Rev Ling Kin Yew and I attended an Inter-faith Christmas Celebration at the invitation of His Grace, Archbishop William Goh. The event was organised by the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD) and held at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace.
The Archbishop William Goh warmly welcomed everyone before sharing about the meaning of Christmas. The bonding over dinner was enhanced by a combined church choir’s performance of a few beautiful carols. The finale of the event was when we joined hands to sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” together.
Reflecting on the occasion, the Rev Ling Kin Yew wrote: “What I enjoyed most that night was the singing of the combined choir, which comprised of not just adults but children. Truly, regardless of our beliefs and age, ‘we are the reason that He gave His life’… It was a unique and delightful Christmas celebration as we enjoyed our hosts’ kind hospitality and the friendship of the other religious leaders. It reminded me of the first Christmas when the heavenly host proclaimed, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’ (Luke 2:14 KJV).”
Please pray for God’s anointing as we continue to serve as Christ’s ambassadors in pursuit of peace and love in this world.
The Rev Gabriel Liew is a Pastor at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
Photo courtesy of VITA (Volunteers in the Archdiocese)