IAM delighted to note that the church, embroiled in the so-called Taman Medan controversy, has extended the hand of friendship and forgiveness to those who demonstrated against it.
The protest earned nationwide condemnation as it should not have happened in the first place. No one should be offended by a cross which is the symbol of Christianity and is displayed outside a church to identify it as such. It is not meant to entice those of other faiths to the Christian faith. Therefore, no one should take offence over the sight of a cross.
The pastor went further and conveyed that he wanted to hug the demonstrators, and that he had only love and no ill feelings towards them.
His magnanimity is heartwarming and touching, and will surely go a long way to establish and cement old ties and friendship with the community.
Without a shadow of doubt, the church means no harm, nor is it attempting to send a wrong signal about what is purely a religious place for the faithful to congregate and worship.
While the nation is facing economic and political challenges, we cannot afford to have religious tension.
Our attention should be geared towards fostering national unity, where different races can live together peacefully, give due respect to each others’ faiths and not be so quick to take offence when none is intended.
After having lived and enjoyed what this land has to offer since independence in 1957, we have much to gain and much to lose, if we are careless enough to mess up our unique diversity, tolerance and acceptance of one another.
We have to accept the fact that our land is blessed with different ethic groups with diverse cultures and religious beliefs, and no one should take offence over crosses atop churches or worn by Christians.
The Christian congregation in Taman Medan is a loving group which is reaching out in love and forgiveness to other faiths, despite the fear that they experienced on the day when threats and anger were openly expressed.
Let’s hope that this incident, which was triggered by strong religious sensitivities, turns out to be a one-off event.
We can say with certainty that every religion wants its followers to live peacefully with the rest of humanity.
Let us not forget that to do otherwise will bring about religious tension and hurt, and a lot of effort and time will be needed to bring healing afterwards.
In fact, local churches have always maintained a sense of order and discipline, and have never carried out demonstrations, despite being misunderstood many times in the past. The churches have striven to live in peace and harmony among the different races and religions, while appreciating believers of other faiths.
Let it be known, too, that churches in Malaysia have always prayed that unity and prosperity will prevail in the land. As citizens and people of the Christian faith, we are strongly encouraged to reach out and be relevant to the community, to foster neighbourliness and concern, and to give to those in need.
In the many disasters that the country has faced, the Christian community has never failed to offer help by sending relief workers and aid, as part of their social responsibility.
In short, despite what has happened, let us move towards maturity as we conduct ourselves in a worthy manner that will foster unity, understanding and acceptance of one another, without any preconceived ideas or apprehension over one another’s intentions.
All of us want to live in peace and harmony.
Dr Tan Eng Bee,Kajang, Selangor