KUCHING — For the first time since its inception, the Malaysia Day of Prayer (MDOP) Ecumenical Service will be held outside Kuala Lumpur, with Kuching playing host to this historic event on Sept 16 at St Faith’s Church, Kenyalang Park.
The service, co-hosted by the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) and the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS), is scheduled to begin at 9.30am in conjunction with the 62nd anniversary of Malaysia’s formation.
Event coordinator Rev Ivor Lim, who also serves as Prayer United Mobilisation director, said the decision to move the service to Kuching carries deep meaning for Christians nationwide.
“For Malaysia Day, CCM will for the first time hold the Malaysia Day of Prayer in Kuching, through an ecumenical service at St Faith’s Church. This is a truly united effort involving CCM, ACS, Prayer United, and the local church network. But the two main hosts remain CCM and ACS,” he told reporters at a press conference.
The Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, Rt Rev Datuk Donald Jute, who is also chairman of CCM, was instrumental in bringing the event to Kuching.
“Since Bishop Donald Jute is from Kuching, he has given the privilege to St Faith’s Church to organise. We welcome church leaders and members nationwide to join in lifting prayers for Malaysia,” Rev Lim added.
He also advised attendees to arrive early by 9am and encouraged participants to wear cultural attire to reflect Malaysia’s diverse heritage.
ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang highlighted the historic importance of the occasion.
“It is significant because this is the first time CCM organises MDOP outside Kuala Lumpur. It will attract attention and bring unity. Prayers will be offered for Malaysia, our leaders, our community, our King, and for young people, families, peace, and interfaith dialogue,” he said.
Invitations have also been extended to leaders of other faiths, with confirmation of attendance from Hindu and Sikh representatives, while participation from the Baha’i community is pending.
Canon Michael Pei of St Faith’s Church extended an open invitation to all Christians across denominations to join the service.
Meanwhile, Sister Grace Lee, who leads the prayer ministry at St Faith’s, expressed hope that the event would serve as a strong reminder of the need for unity.
“We pray for God’s intervention in all cultures and people. May we continue to live in peace and unity,” she said.
The service will be broadcast live by 24-7 Asia Prayer, ensuring participation from churches across Malaysia and beyond.
The MDOP committee is chaired by CCM general secretary Bishop Dr Philip Lok, with support from 24-7 Asia Prayer director Chrisanne Chin and St Faith’s Church vicar Canon Bradley Sangan.
This year’s Malaysia Day of Prayer marks not only a milestone for the Christian community in Malaysia but also a step towards fostering harmony, unity, and inclusivity across the nation. — TheBorneoPost
