I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.
– Susan B Anthony, American activist
As a Catholic, I’m aware that it’s normally not the place for Catholic bishops and priests to comment on political affairs.
I wouldn’t call that an unwritten rule but historically, the Catholic Church followed the policy of strict neutrality, with many Catholic thinkers believing that the church should not concern itself with political matters.
While the church does not officially take political stances, it however encourages followers to come to their own political decisions, but it also states that these decisions must be made in accordance with natural law.
An example is how Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh has never failed to remind Catholics to fulfil their responsibility as voters whenever elections were held. That’s the right and sensible thing to do as the head of Kuching Catholics.
I can recall that in Catholic Malaysia, Bishop Emeritus Paul Tan Chee Ing of the Malacca/Johore diocese, was the most vocal prelate, speaking up on issues of social injustice and cautioning religious bigots and extremists.
He would not hesitate to speak his mind and tell fanatics not to cross the red line when he had to, even if it caused the power-that-be much displeasure.
This was during the 12 years Tan headed the Malacca/Johore diocese as its bishop from 2003 till his retirement in 2015. Bishop Tan is now 83 years old and has stayed out of the limelight.
I’m happy to note that Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow has now taken on the role as the “voice” of Malaysian Catholics from the retired Bishop Paul Tan.
Since becoming the KL prelate nine years ago in 2014, Leow has constantly expressed his concerns whenever religious and racial differences have veered off-tangent.
In fact, even at his inauguration as KL Archbishop, the younger 50-year-old Leow then had cautioned Malaysians against making wrong choices for themselves and the nation.
Saying that his appointment “at a time when this nation is at a juncture when all that we have built up, sacrificed for and taken for granted may be lost forever if we as a nation make the wrong choices,” the archbishop immediately sent a message he was fully aware of the challenges that the Catholic Church and Christians, in general, are facing in our nation.
Fast forward nine years, and last Sunday, Leow said Malaysia has seen an eroding spirit of togetherness in recent years, with more prominent narrow-mindedness and “a shrinking of space” for people and groups to be who they are.
“There seem to be quarters that want to dictate to others how they should practise their religion.
“There is much more suspicion and distrust among ourselves of different faiths today compared to 40 years ago.
“How did we reach this point of our journey as Malaysia after 60 years of nationhood and 66 years of independence?” he asked during his speech at the annual Christian Federation of Malaysia’s high tea reception in Selangor today.
It’s quite sad to hear the prelate’s lamentations and it is true that the suspicion and distrust among Malaysians today is not getting any better.
Even in Kuching just some weeks ago, we have to deal with an issue involving a Christmas carol in a Christmas event organised by a TV station.
Although the matter was amicably resolved later, it left a bad taste in the mouths of many. I must salute Anglican Bishop Datuk Danald Jute again for tackling the bull by its horns over this contentious issue.
I have written at length on this matter in a national news portal, so I will leave it at that. My hope is that such an ugly episode involving a joyous and holy event as Christmas will not recur in Sarawak.
Leow was right when he opined that many of the fears were unfounded and could be easily solved through dialogue to increase understanding of each other’s points of view.
“We must listen to the other and address their fears and concerns. If we cannot reach a consensus, there may be compromises and assurances to be given.
“We must always be able to agree to disagree and work for the betterment of the whole,” he added.
In hindsight, I believe that our bishops, priests and other members of the clergy should be given some leeway in speaking up on political matters when there is a pressing need to do so.
There is the respect accorded to religious figures when they speak up as they are often seen as moral authorities within their respective communities.
People look to them for guidance on ethical and moral issues, as many religious traditions provide a framework for moral conduct and values.
Yes, I hold Bishop Paul Tan, Archbishop Simon Poh, Archbishop Julian Leow and Bishop Danald Jute in high esteem and the church is blessed with such shepherds to tend to their flocks.
Have a holy and blessed Christmas, everyone.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
