ACS to hold Sarawak Day Ecumenical Prayer Service in Kuching on July 17
KUCHING (July 15): The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) will hold its annual Sarawak Day Ecumenical Prayer Service at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stampin here at 7.30pm on July 17.
Hosted by the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), this year's service carries the theme 'Prayer For A Blessed Life' Sarawak Maju Makmur.
ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang, who announced the event during a press conference at CEWC today, said the prayer gathering is a spiritual commitment to the state's future.
'Let us continue to pray for Sarawak and its aspiration for the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and for it to be a model of racial unity and religious harmony for Sarawak Maju Makmur, in the spirit of Segulai Sejalai.'
'We pray for all believers to promote true Christian moral values, witness to the community, and contribute to the peace and harmony of our state, and for leaders of different faiths to have mutual understanding and respect among all races and faiths.'
The service will begin with an opening prayer by the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, the Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, who will also lead the benediction alongside the heads of churches during the closing.
The order of service will feature themed scripture readings and prayers to be delivered in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Bidayuh Biatah, Iban, and Tamil, reflecting Sarawak's rich multicultural identity.
Before the scripture and prayer segments, the Jalur Gemilang and Ibu Pertiwi will be hoisted by The Boys' Brigade and The Girls' Brigade, respectively.
During the service, prayers will be offered for the Sarawak Government, the Head of State and his wife, the Premier and his Cabinet, lawmakers, the police and armed forces, and all those in positions of authority — that they may continue to uphold religious freedom, justice, liberty, political stability, and unity in the state.
'There will be prayers for peace of the world, for all justice and righteousness to prevail in all countries.
'There will be prayer for church unity and family institutions, our youth as the torchbearers of Sarawak Maju Makmur. It is time to pray for our beloved Sarawak and Malaysia for the spirit of goodwill to reclaim centre stage among all races of different beliefs and cultures,' Ambrose said.
The Praise and Worship session and congregational hymns will be led by a combined team from BEM.
Invitations have also been extended to all Christian members of the state and federal governments, heads of departments, and leaders of interfaith groups such as Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Baháʼí representatives.
Ambrose said ACS reaffirms its commitment to promoting harmony and unity among all peoples in Sarawak and Malaysia, emphasising that social cohesiveness is the pillar of socio-economic progress and development.
'ACS calls upon all Christians in the city to join the prayer service to symbolise unity in our Lord. ACS branches throughout Sarawak are holding similar services at their respective branches.
'Let us at all times break down walls and build bridges among all Sarawakians of different faiths,' he urged.
Ambrose further cautioned that racial polarisation and religious extremism must not be allowed to undermine the unity that has long driven Sarawak and Malaysia's progress.
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