KUCHING: Churches and various houses of worship play an important role in maintaining religious and racial harmony.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said if harmony was not maintained, development and progress in Sarawak would be impeded.
He said this before presenting grants from the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) to two churches here, yesterday.
Unifor director Richard Lon and United Society of Partners in Gospel (USPG) Anglican Church London regional manager Rebecca Boardman were among those present.
The Diocese of Kuching received RM1mil for the repair and upgrading of the Bishop and Provost house. The grant was accepted by Kuching Anglican Church Bishop Datuk Danald Jute.
The other church to receive the grant was the All Saints Church in Tabuan, getting RM80,000 for its refurbishment. Its representative Maxwell S Landong was on hand to receive the cheque.
On the aid, Uggah said it was a hallmark of the state government’s inclusive policy.
“We are very happy to help all other religions. At the same time, what we give may not make everyone happy.
“We have to be fair and cannot give 100 per cent. There are others that we need to help as well,” he said, adding that Unifor had received many applications for funding.
