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Diocesan
Diocese of Singapore • www.anglican.org.sg
MCI (P) 057/03/2019 Issue 272 | November 2019 DIGEST
A RENEWED VOICE,
A NEW SOUND
05 UNITING ORTHODOX
ANGLICANS GLOBALLY:
34 COMMISSIONING OF
ST ANDREW'S CATHEDRAL’S
31 COMMUNITY SERVICES
Growth and new beginnings
GSA Covenantal Structure ORGAN & BELLS
C o n te n ts
EDITORIAL TEAM 01 Editorial
ADVISOR
The Rt Revd 02 From The Bishop’s Heart
Rennis S. Ponniah
05 Communion News : GSA Covenantal Structure
EDITORS
Revd Canon Terry Wong 08 Communion News : The 7th Trumpet
Ms Lucilla Teoh
Mrs Karen Wong
Ms Sasha Michael 10 Provincial News: A New Archbishop for our
Province of SEA
DESIGNERS
Ms Joyce Ho 11 Teaching Article: The One Thing That Is Necessary
Mr Daniel Ng
14 Teaching Article: Faith, Tongues and
email: Religious Education
digest@anglican.org.sg
24 Church in Singapore: Celebration of Hope’s
website:
www.anglican.org.sg Outreach to Migrant Workers 2019
cover photo: 26 Teaching Article: The Church Calendar
Mr Daniel Ng
from our ministry fronts
19 Deaneries and Global Missions
28 Youth and Young Adults
30 Anglican Schools
31 Community Services
34 Singapore Highlights : Commissioning of
the Cathedral’s Organ & Bells
36 Parish Spotlight: Church of the Good Shepherd
Printer: 38 Parish Spotlight: Chapel of the Resurrection
Hock Cheong Printing Pte Ltd
40 Parish Spotlight: Chapel of Christ the Redeemer
Diocesan Digest
© The Diocese of Singapore 42 Diocesan News
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E DI T ORI AL
"Not Conformed...
but Transformed"
by Revd Canon Terry Wong
I
was privileged to be part of the delegation that the faith of the Anglican Church. our Church life
attended the Seventh Global South Conference together does Unity matters to us. We love the
in Cairo, Egypt held on 8 to 11 October. Led by Communion and we treasure our faith heritage. If
our provincial archbishop the Most Reverend aspects of our faith, morals or pastoral practices
Ng Moon Hing, and our diocesan bishop the need changing, then there should be a proper
Right Reverend Rennis Ponniah, we were deeply process of listening, discussions, debate and so
involved in the Anglican conference. There were on. But if these processes are ignored, then those
delegates representing at least 18 provinces who do so have simply chosen to walk apart.
who gathered to reflect on the theme “Not
Conformed…but transformed” based on Romans The Global South seeks to bring "healing to the
12:1-2. fabric”, rebuild trust, and re-establish relational
commitments that can ensure a future of mission
There are processes in place to discuss or resolve focus without severe disruptions. The silver-lining
issues when dioceses or provinces disagree behind this crisis can be seen in how it has helped
on certain fundamentals of the faith or when bring many Anglican Provinces closer together.
they explore fresh approaches. However, what Our communion life is richer than ever.
processes are there to guide how Provinces relate
to each other at the communion level?
"Do not be conformed to this
Before 2003, the Anglican Communion thought
we had sufficient processes and mutual trust to
world, but be transformed by
manage disagreements. However, the unilateral the renewal of your mind…”
decision to consecrate a bishop in a same-
sex relationship went ahead in 2003, despite ROMANS 12:1-2
commitments made to a common discipline
that were debated and voted on at Lambeth For those of you who are interested, the
1998. When the consecration was announced latest Covenant Structure that the Global
beforehand, pleas from Anglican leaders all over South Conference adopted can be found at
the world for restraint were ignored. www.globalsouthanglican.org. The Conference’s
communique is reproduced on pages 8-10.
On the surface, the issue may appear to be about
homosexuality. At a deeper level, the problem The Biblical words of Romans 12:1-2 continue
includes fundamental issues such as the authority to guide us as we seek to work out our faith in
of Scripture, regard for tradition and what holds our modern contexts. And even as we pause
our Church together. Also, western hegemony to think about our Anglican Communion, we
may have shaped the attitudes of some western remind ourselves that the Christian life is lived
Anglican leaders towards their "Third World" by each of us and all of us as a local diocesan
counterparts. family. Continually shaped by St Paul’s appeal to
"transform, not conform" — it is a communion that
The issues are of course complex. But it is a fact we share between us and with other Anglicans
that the vast majority of Anglicans - both in the across the world.
West and round the world - believe in upholding
1
FRO M T HE B I S HOP' S HE ART
A RENEWED
VOICE, A NEW
SOUND
by Bishop Rennis Ponniah
M
y beloved people, I am very grateful right with God” (Rom 4:24-25; 10:9). That is why
for your prayers. At the installation everyone who turns to Jesus can have solid HOPE
service of a diocesan bishop, it is not both in this life and the life beyond the grave. We
uncommon for Psalm 20 to be read. In have found renewed confidence and courage to
this Psalm, the people pray, proclaim this message.
At the Stadium rallies, our captured data shows
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! that 6,000 responded to the altar-call. Of these,
May He send you help from the sanctuary 2,000 were first-time decisions for Christ with
And give you support from Zion! another 1,000 indicating that they were touched
PSALM 20:1B-2 and would like to find out more about Jesus.
Many of us will
The God of Jacob is the Old Testament way not forget the
of referring to the covenant-keeping God. At the moving sight of
same time, sanctuary and Zion refer to the earthly streams of people
locus of God’s throne or dwelling place. Indeed, in descending the
this past year I have experienced tremendous help venue steps in
from the Lord. And I have no hesitation in looking response to the
back and responding to the petition of the people message of God’s
by saying, love in Christ
Jesus. I believe
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, that the ripples Celebration of Hope 2019: the
But we trust in the name of the LORD our God. of COH, in terms national-level evangelistic rally
They collapse and fall, of the number
But we rise and stand upright. of people coming to a saving faith in Christ and
PSALM 20:7-8 being discipled to follow Him, will be seen in the
years to come.
Indeed, 2019 has been a remarkable year for Already, we can be encouraged that the
our diocese – all praise and thanks be to God! It Chinese-speaking churches in the land are
has been a year where we have found a renewed preparing a series of dialect-speaking outreaches
voice to proclaim the gospel and there is a new at year-end. Added to that, several churches are
sound ringing forth from our Church. Let me give combining to take the message of God’s love in
you an overview of 2019 so we can rejoice in the Christ to the dormitories of our numerous migrant
Lord together. (guest) workers in Singapore. Our own Cathedral
church is hosting and co-organising with others
1. Proclaiming the Gospel a follow-up event for Filipinos and Myanmarese
The Celebration of Hope (COH) national- workers. At the local church level, there is a step-
level evangelistic rally in May 2019 has helped up in vigour and urgency to personally lead others
Christians in Singapore recover the urgency of to Christ through Alpha courses, evangelistic small
personally sharing the good news of Jesus Christ groups, joint activities and the like. The gospel is
with others. A humble boldness has been restored being personally shared with others on a regular
in our voices as we tell the story of how “Jesus basis by God’s people – the movement has begun
died for our sins and was raised to life to put us and must be sustained in the Spirit.
2
FRO M T HE B I S HOP' S HE ART
we had a total of 14 persons ordained to the
“The Government is deeply appreciative of diaconate, a record number out of which eight
the Anglican community’s efforts to serve were from our deaneries. We have also appointed
and care for the community.” Revd Rinzi Lama as the first Associate Dean of
MR HENG SWEE KEAT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Nepal and Revd Tit Hieng as the Vicar of the
(STRAITS TIMES, 26 OCTOBER 2019) Rural Mission District in Cambodia. The increase
in the number of indigenous leaders is due to
Wonderfully, the gospel of God’s love is being greater attention to the discipleship process and
shared with others against the backdrop of the the setting up of Anglican Training Centres in the
practical love and good works done by God’s deanery fields for the ministerial formation and
people in our nation. For Anglicans, we rejoice equipping of local leaders.
not only in parish-based community services but As we grow our churches in the various
in the tremendous work of St Andrew’s Mission countries, we need to pay special attention to how
Hospital and Singapore Anglican Community to reach and disciple the young people (children,
Services at the national level in the care of the youth and young adults). They are often called “the
elderly, the autistic and those with mental health millennials” and the church will need to learn their
issues. Recently, the Deputy Prime Minister mode of thinking and communication in order
Mr Heng Swee Keat, encouraged us with these that we might connect with them for the sake of
words, “The Government is deeply appreciative the life-giving gospel. I am glad that 2019 marks
of the Anglican community’s efforts to serve a renewed attentiveness to the young people in
and care for the community.” (Straits Times, 26 our midst.
October 2019). The diocesan effort to practically
demonstrate the love and truth of God also 3. Uniting Orthodox Christians
takes the form of our Anglican schools and pre- In the grace of God, the year 2019 will be
schools ministry. Beloved, we have a wonderful remembered not only for the Celebration of Hope
backdrop built up over the years of practical love (COH) rallies in Singapore but for the historic
and care for others that today allows us to lift our adoption of a Global South (GSA) Covenantal
voices to share the gospel with our friends and Structure that binds together orthodox Anglicans
acquaintances. Not only that, Celebration of Hope spread out in our global communion.
has helped churches to come together and work Canon (Emeritus) Michael Poon and I were part
together so that “with one voice” (Rom 15:5-6) we of an international study group to design a Structure
can proclaim that “Jesus is Lord!” and witness to for orthodox Anglican provinces and dioceses to
the world what life under His reign looks like. The return our mutual accountability to hold fast to a
gospel is going forth to our nation and beyond “faith and order” that accords with the Bible and
with renewed voice. to galvanise us to work together in ministry and
mission to reach a world in need of Christ. The
2. Growing the Churches three-year study group proposed a Covenantal
We praise God that 2019 is a year in which our Structure with a clear doctrinal foundation, a set of
parishes and deaneries grew both quantitatively concrete relational commitments and a conciliar
and qualitatively. structure for governance, mutual accountability
For several years, the weekly attendance in our and collective discipline (please see accompanying
Anglican churches in Singapore hovered around article, Uniting Orthodox Anglicans Globally on
20,000. But for the first time, we broke through page 5).
the 20,000 “barrier” and started 2019 with 21,120 Wonderfully, the proposed Covenantal
weekly worshippers. Some of our parishes have Structure for the Global South Fellowship of
started new congregations. The statistics are not Anglican Churches was overwhelmingly accepted
performance indicators; rather, the increased by the representative assembly at the 7th Global
number indicates that more are entering and South Conference in Cairo (8-11 October 2019).
experiencing the kingdom of God – and that is This means that orthodox Anglican provinces and
reason to celebrate with joy! dioceses can now be part of a global fellowship
Our deaneries, too, are growing in total. We within the Communion that is committed to
now have about 13,500 weekly worshippers in our guarding “the faith once for all delivered” (Jude
planted churches in Indonesia (1,600), Thailand v3); and committed to work together to advance
(800), Cambodia (400) and Nepal (10,600), while the kingdom of God in Christ Jesus throughout
our Christian ministry in Laos is also growing. We the world.
praise God for the tireless work of our field pastors, Membership in the Global South Fellowship of
led by our passionate deans. The concrete support Anglican Churches (GSA) will no longer be based
of anchor parishes in Singapore has played no on geographical or cultural identity-markers but
small part in this growth. be based on subscribing to a biblically-derived
What thrills me equally is the growth of doctrinal framework and to a conciliar structure
indigenous leaders in our six deaneries. In 2019, for decision-making and governance. The basic
3
FRO M T HE B I S HOP' S HE ART
ecclesial unit in the new structure is the diocese, of identifying God’s choice of the next diocesan
which is in keeping with Anglican ecclesiology. bishop (Num 27:15-17). Pray that we will be guided
Where a province applies for membership, then by the Holy Spirit to appoint the man after God’s
all dioceses within the province are members. own heart who has been
The adopted structure allows a diocese within a prepared, formed and gifted
revisionist province to apply for GSA membership by God to lead His church in
with due scrutiny and safeguards taken to the next lap. In God’s grace,
minimize schisms. In special cases and with careful the Bishop-designate will be
processing of applications in place, even networks known by the end of February
of Anglican churches in a revisionist diocese 2020 and this will give me six
or province can apply for GSA membership months to induct him for his
according to the criteria laid out in the Covenantal new role before I step down My late parents when in
Structure. at the end of August 2020. their seventies (Ps 128)
GSA is not a break-away group from a diversified
communion. It is an orthodox grouping within the
Communion that sets limits to diversity in faith and "… the word of the Lord
practice among its member churches according
to the plain teaching of holy Scripture. In this way,
sounded forth from you…"
it is poised to be a faithful servant-community for 1 THESSALONIANS 1:8
God to use in His church and in His world (Isaiah
49:1-6). My dear friends, the Lord Himself is the head
We rejoice in this breakthrough to establish a of the Church. He will lead us all the way, in every
covenantal structure among orthodox Anglican generation and for every season. I step down from
churches and now we must follow-through with office but I will, with God’s enabling, step forth
prayer and zeal that it will become in God’s hands more in field ministry under the auspices of the
an effective instrument of witness and mission for new bishop. As one of our Anglican collects puts
such a time as this. it: “all praise and thanks to God, whom to serve is
perfect freedom.”
"GSA is not a break-away group
from a diversified communion.
It is an orthodox grouping
within the Communion..."
All the three positive movements above, viz
proclaiming the gospel, growing the Church and
uniting orthodox Anglicans globally, cause me to
see 2019 as “a year of the right hand of the Most Change-ringers at the Bells Commissioning Service
High” (Ps 77:10). That is to say, it is a year in which
we as a diocese have experienced wonderful It is not without significance that 2019 also
spiritual victories which only the power of God marks the year when our diocesan mother-church,
could have wrought. I thank God with all my heart St Andrew’s Cathedral, gets a new and full set of
and give Him all the glory. cathedral bells. Not only that, but we now have a
I thought I should hasten to add that 2019 new and better way of ringing the bells – namely,
was not all upbeat. It is also the year that both my change-ringing where a team of change-ringers
aged parents passed on in quick succession to skilfully ring the bells in synchronized movement.
be with the Lord in His eternal realm. My brothers For me, it is God’s wonderful way of letting us
and I, together with our immediate families, miss know that the message of the gospel rings out
their presence immensely. But their deaths are from us (1 Thess 1:8) with “a renewed voice and
part of the spiritual victory Jesus Christ has won a new sound”. The Lord is great and greatly to be
for all who will trust in Him. My deceased parents praised!
could well be rejoicing in glory for the advance of
God’s kingdom that our diocese has experienced
in 2019. And they would want every succeeding Warmly in Christ’s love,
generation in their family tree to go on serving
the Lord. I am most grateful to God for them. They
have fought the good fight, passed on the faith
and been promoted to glory.
As 2019 closes, we prepare to move to a new
chapter in our diocesan life. We begin the process
4
C O MMUNI O N NE WS
UNITING ORTHODOX ANGLICANS GLOBALLY
Covenantal Structure
of the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches
by Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng
M
any of us are aware that the Anglican Church sexuality as God’s gift to humanity, “to be expressed
is represented all over the world, organized only within the lifelong union of a man and a woman
as a Communion of forty autonomous in holy matrimony.”3
provinces each with its own primate who is the chief The Kuala Lumpur Statement was presented at
archbishop or presiding bishop. the Lambeth Conference in 1998, leading to the
The provinces come together for fellowship, passing of Resolution I.10 which upheld the teaching
discussion and prayer during the regular Primates’ of the Holy Scriptures on human sexuality, stating
Meetings and the Lambeth Conferences held every that it “cannot advise the legitimizing or blessing of
10 years. Each province is also represented in the same sex union nor ordaining those involved”, and
Anglican Consultative Council (ACC). Among other requested the Primates and the ACC to monitor the
functions, the ACC provides a platform for sharing issue and share resources within the Communion.
information about developments in various provinces In the aftermath of the 2003 crisis, the Primates’
and encourages collaboration in various programme Meeting affirmed that Lambeth 1998 Resolution I.10
initiatives. is the definitive teaching of the Anglican Communion
These meetings, together with the Archbishop on human sexuality. They declared that actions of
of Canterbury who is “first among equals” with his the Anglican Church of Canada and The Episcopal
fellow archbishops, serve the Anglican Communion Church in blatant disregard of this doctrinal standard
as the “instruments of Communion”. “jeopardise our sacramental fellowship with each
other… [and] will tear the fabric of our Communion
Breach in the Communion at the deepest level”.
The above “instruments” have by and large served
their purposes, until the Communion hit a crisis in 2003 Efforts to Mend the Net
when the Anglican Church of Canada conducted its From 2003 to 2016, the Global South expended
first same sex marriage1 and The Episcopal Church much energy, time and resources working with the
of USA consecrated an openly homosexual priest as instruments of Communion to resolve the crisis. This
a bishop.2 included dialogues with the Anglican Church of
Long before 2003, the Global South of the Canada and The Episcopal Church, resolutions calling
Anglican Communion, consisting of the Anglican for a moratorium of rites for same-sex union and
provinces outside Europe and North America, consecration of priests in same-sex relationships, and
have been meeting to dialogue on faith and world participating in designing an Anglican Communion
missions. At the 2nd Anglican Encounter in the South Covenant to hold provinces accountable to the plain
in February 1997, the Kuala Lumpur Statement teaching of Scripture.
on Human Sexuality was issued, affirming human Despite all these efforts, more provinces and
1
The Diocese of New Westminster in the Anglican Church of Canada authorized a rite for the blessing of same-sex unions at its 2002
Synod. In May 2003, the first same-sex union took place in Vancouver.
2
In June of the same year, Gene Robinson, an openly non-celibate homosexual priest was elected and consecrated as the Bishop of
New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA). The General Convention of ECUSA ratified the
decision, against the strong objections of conservative bishops, priests and laity who warned that this would lead to division in both
the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
3
The Kuala Lumpur Statement on Human Sexuality (1997) may be read here: https://tinyurl.com/klstatement2es
5
C O MMUNI O N NE WS
dioceses have approved same-sex unions. More unanimously supported by the primates present and
priests and bishops in open non-celibate same-sex overwhelmingly accepted by the entire assembly,
relationships continued to be ordained to sacred with just two abstentions. The resolution passed
ministry. None of these provinces or dioceses were on 11 October 2019 was to adopt in principle the
subject to any meaningful disciplinary actions. proposed GSA Covenantal Structure, subject to
On the other hand, faithful bishops and priests approval by the respective provinces.
in North and South America who objected to This is historic because for the first time, orthodox
these deviations have been deposed, and their Anglican provinces and diocese have a structure
congregations sued for their properties. They had that holds them accountable for ‘faith and order’
no choice but to seek shelter under Global South and which provides a true basis for fellowship and
groupings. The Anglican Church in North America combined mission and ministry. GSA churches are
(ACNA) for example was formed from those faithful not breaking away from the Communion. Rather, we
congregations in North America, recognised by are embracing a structure that will strengthen the life
orthodox primates but not by the formal instruments and witness of the orthodox constituency within the
of Communion. Anglican Communion.
The Anglican Communion Covenant released in
2009 was deemed too restrictive by some provinces Key Elements of the Structure
and not accountable enough by others. To date, only The first section of the Proposal established the
eight out of 40 provinces have agreed to be part of Doctrinal Foundation and Fundamental Declarations
this Covenant. that bind the Global South Fellowship of Anglican
Churches (GSA) together as a global fellowship
A Fresh Initiative by Global South Churches based on theological convictions rather than merely
This prolonged failure to resolve these disputes geographical location.
over faith and order exposed the reality that there The second section of the Proposal expressed
is no accountability structure in place to hold the the Relational Commitments of the GSA, that is,
worldwide Anglican Communion together in how the Provinces of the GSA share life, discipleship,
biblical faithfulness.4 This fundamental lack of an mission and ministry together. This common life
accountability structure became known as the will be facilitated by specific Task Forces that will
Communion’s ecclesial deficit. focus on (1) mission and evangelism, (2) worship
In recognition of this ecclesial deficit, the Global and liturgy, (3) Christian discipleship and ministerial
South at the 6th Encounter in 2016 commissioned formation, and (4) community services and economic
the “Study on Enhancing Ecclesial Responsibility”5 to empowerment.
design a structure that will hold orthodox provinces/ The third section proposed the Conciliar
diocese accountable to the plain teaching of Scripture Structures that provide the GSA with clear processes
and galvanize them for gospel mission to the world. for addressing Faith and Order issues, such as those
The 7th Global South Conference was convened with which the Communion has been struggling for
in Cairo in October 2019 to follow up on this the past 16 years. Through these structures, GSA
study. Among the 101 delegates and observers provinces will establish limits of diversity within
from 18 Anglican provinces and other parts of the the bounds of Holy Scriptures, hold one another
Communion is a delegation led by the Archbishop accountable to a common doctrinal commitment,
of the Anglican Church in North America and the and make decisions that carry force in the life of the
Archbishop of Sydney.6 GSA as a part of our global Communion.
Bishop Rennis Ponniah as Chairman of the Study The core conciliar structure is the Assembly of
Group presented its report, “A Proposal on the clergy and laity gathering around the bishops of the
Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSA) GSA. It will be convened every three to four years to
Structure”.7 serve as the GSA’s comprehensive and authoritative
voice. The Assembly shall consider contemporary
Historic Adoption of a Covenantal Structure issues of mission and ministry, and call GSA churches
After making some changes in response to feedback to work together to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission
from the conference delegates, the proposal was and Great Commandment. Its work shall continue
4
Windsor Continuation Group Report (2008), Section D on “An Ecclesial Deficit”: “The way in which the moratoria have been
challenged or ignored in the life of the Communion raises a painful and sharp question: how can any decisions or recommendations
be given authority or force in the life of the Communion? …a central deficit in the life of the Communion is its inability to uphold
structures which can make decisions which carry force in the life of the Churches of the Communion, or even give any definitive
guidance to them.”
5
The Sixth Trumpet, Oct 2016 Communique, paragraphs 30-31. The Study Group was chaired by Bishop Rennis Ponniah, with
Archbishop Robert Duncan as the Vice-Chairman, the Revd Canon Dr Michael Poon as the Secretary, and Bishop David Onuoha,
Bishop Samy Shehata and the Revd Canon Dr Phil Ashey as the Members.
6
The communiqué of the 7th Global South Conference can be read here: https://tinyurl.com/dd7thtrumpet
7
The full text of the adopted Covenantal Structure may be read here: https://tinyurl.com/gsagovstruct
6
C O MMUNI O N NE WS
The Diocese of Singapore team, with Dr Os Guinness (3rd from L) at the 7th Global South Conference in Cairo, Egypt
between gatherings through a Board that will work Conclusion
with the Primates’ Council and the Task Forces to A follow-up Committee was appointed to administer
advance our common life together. the implementation of this Covenantal Structure. The
The Primates’ Council, meeting yearly, shall Diocese of Singapore is privileged to serve as the
provide overall spiritual leadership to the GSA. It shall Secretariat as requested.
exercise collegial responsibility to strengthen mutual The adoption of this Covenantal Structure in 2019
accountability and interdependence between GSA took place 25 years after the first Anglican Encounter
churches. It will guide the direction of the common in the South was held under the auspices of the
life of the GSA, oversee its faithfulness to God in Anglican Consultative Council in Limuru, Kenya,
sound doctrine and obedient mission, and where 1994. It is an expression of love for the Anglican
necessary, take steps to restore faith, order and Communion and a desire for it to thrive until Christ’s
discipline of GSA churches in accordance with the return, by gathering Anglicans to be faithful to
Doctrinal Foundation to which they have subscribed. Christ through concrete doctrinal and relational
There will be a Council of Bishops meeting once commitments to His calling.
every 8-10 years that serves as the visible sign of The closing paragraph of the Executive Summary
the unity of the GSA as a part of the Body of Christ. of the Proposal reads:
Consisting of primates and diocesan bishops, it There is a grace-filled sense of urgency to this
shall guard the Doctrinal Foundation (section 1) and favoured moment: ‘Do not be afraid, … the Holy
oversee the Relational Commitments (section 2) of Spirit will come upon you’; ‘Seek his Kingdom. Do
the GSA. not be afraid, little flock’ (Luke 1.30, 35; 12.31-32)…
A Faith and Order Commission appointed by the The Anglican Communion, in truth, for the first time
Council of Bishops shall be the operational means to since the late twentieth century, is a world reality…
address matters of faith, order and discipline raised God calls us, in the fullness of time, to give concrete
by GSA churches or upon the request of the Primates expression to a truly one, holy, catholic and apostolic
Council. Communion. 8
The Proposal on the Global South Fellowship May it be so, and to God be the glory!
of Anglican Churches Structure was adopted
unanimously by all delegates present and voting at
this 7th Global South Conference.
The Follow-Through Needed to a Wonderful Start
Over the next 12 to 18 months, all Anglican Provinces,
Dioceses and other Anglican networks under the
authority of a bishop that subscribe to the doctrinal
foundation and relational commitments of this
Covenantal Structure, regardless of geographical
location, will be invited to apply for membership
with the Global South Fellowship of Anglican
Churches (GSA). The inaugural Assembly of the
GSA in accordance with this Covenantal Structure is
envisaged to convene in 2021.
8
A Proposal on the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches Structure, Executive Summary, paragraph 8.
7
COM M U NI ON NEWS
THE SEVENTH TRUMPET
“NOT CONFORMED…
BUT TRANSFORMED”
Communique from the 7th Global South Conference,
12 October 2019, Cairo, Egypt
1. The Seventh Global South Anglican Conference 6. We received with thanks greetings from the
took place in Cairo, Egypt from 8th through 11th Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt
October, 2019. The theme for this encounter Hon Justin Welby, and the Most Revd Dr Josiah
was "Not Conformed…but Transformed” based Idowu-Fearon, the Secretary General of the
on Romans 12:2. Anglican Communion, which were conveyed by
the Rt Revd Dr Graham Kings.
2. 101 delegates and observers from 18 Anglican
Provinces and other parts of the Anglican 7. The Conference also welcomed some new
Communion were present. Primates: the Most Revd Jonathan BB Hart
of West Africa, the Most Revd Samuel Sunil
3. We are thankful for the wonderful hospitality Mankhin of the Province of Bangladesh and the
provided for us by Bishop Mouneer Anis and Most Revd Hector Zavala, Primate of the new
the people of the Diocese of Egypt. Province of Chile. We also welcomed the Most
Revd Miguel Uchoa Cavalcanti of the Anglican
4. We were encouraged by the presence of Church in Brazil as a Mission Partner.
ecumenical guests at our opening dinner.
Amongst them were the representative of 8. The Global South Primates also elected a new
H.E. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Steering Committee: the Most Revd Justin Badi
Republic of Egypt, the Minister of Antiquities, of South Sudan as Chairman, the Most Revd
Khaled Anani, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Tito Zavala of Chile as Vice-Chairman, the Most
Affairs, Ambassador Sanad, the representative Revd Samuel Manhkin of Bangladesh as Hon
of Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Secretary, the Most Revd Foley Beach (ACNA)
Church, Bishop Angelos, the representative of as Treasurer and three Ordinary Members, the
the Coptic Catholic Patriarch, Bishop George Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo of Myanmar,
Shihan, the representative of the Greek the Most Revd Masimango Katanda Zacharie of
Orthodox, Father Yusof, the representative of Congo and the Most Revd James Richard Wong
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Nazir Amen and Yin Song of the Indian Ocean.
various ambassadors.
9. We also thanked the Primates on the current
5. We are also grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Global South Primates Steering Committee
Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs for (GSPSC) who are retiring in 2020: the Rt Revd
facilitating this Conference and the Ministry of Dr Mouneer Anis (Chairman), the Most Revd
Tourism for arranging the memorable visits to Nicholas Okoh (Vice-Chairman), the Most Revd
the places of interest. Stanley Ntagali (Hon Secretary) and the Most
Revd Ng Moon Hing (Treasurer). We expressed
8C O MMUNI O N NE WS
our deepest appreciation to Bishop Mouneer community to ensure fair distribution of water.
Anis for his hard work and leadership at this We specially hope and pray that the issue of the
Conference and his continuing role as Chairman Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia would be resolved
of GSPSC until he retires. in a peaceful way that is satisfactory to countries
affected by it, including Egypt.
10. We were inspired by the times of worship and
prayer. The Bible Studies on the theme, led 20. We appeal to the factions in South Sudan to
by the Most Revd Dr Glenn Davies (Sydney), honour the 2018 peace accords and address
the Most Revd James Wong (Indian Ocean) the suffering of her affected residents.
and the Most Revd Justin Badi (South Sudan)
challenged us to avoid being led by the spirit of 21. We were briefed on the history of the
the age, and instead to be transformed by His Global South. It grew out of our roots as an
Spirit and to learn to discern and do the will of ecclesial body which gathered with missions
God. and fellowship in mind as a “South-South
Movement,” which was then under the auspices
11. We were challenged by Dr Os Guinness to be of the Anglican Consultative Council. The first
prepared for the challenges which Global South meeting was held in Limuru, Kenya in 1994. We
Churches will face with modernity and the shifts noted that God has used us beyond our original
that come with it. reasons for coming together, and which now
includes the need to guard the faith and order
12. There were lively discussions on the role of for the sake of our Churches and the wider
women. The need for a greater role by women Anglican Communion.
in the leadership and ministry of the Church
were shared by representatives from various 22. We continue to uphold Resolution I.10 of the
Provinces, even as concerns were expressed 1998 Lambeth Conference with regards to
on how these roles need to fit into the religious human sexuality. We are also happy to see
culture of each society. the wider acceptance of the joint-document
addressing human sexuality that was issued at
13. Concerns were also expressed on whether the GS Conference in 2016.
our Anglican Churches are in touch with the
younger generations and connecting well with 23. We noted the Archbishop of Canterbury’s
their spiritual needs and aspirations. encouragement to bishops to attend Lambeth
2020. Being aware that provinces and dioceses
14. Issues regarding creation care, refugees, social are responding differently to the invitation,
and economic justice and political transition the Conference was reminded of the Global
were also raised during this forum on women South Primates Steering Committee’s decision
and youth. It is hoped that future conferences in their communiqué in March 2008: "We are
will see a higher number of participation from led to understand and appreciate the principled
women and youth leaders from our Provinces. reasons for participation in GAFCON (June
2008) and Lambeth Conference (July 2008).
15. We heard encouraging updates, stories and Even if there are different perspectives on
challenges facing the ministry from each these, they do not and should not be allowed to
Province. disrupt the common vision, unity and trust within
the Global South."
16. We noted the importance of the Church’s
serving the communities through engagement Proposal on The Global South Fellowship of Anglican
with areas like education, health care and Churches (GSA) Covenantal Structure
community development. 24. The Conference received the proposal
paper on "The Global South Fellowship of
17. We noted the ministry challenges and the Anglican Churches Structure.” This study
continual presence of armed violence and was commissioned at the Sixth Global South
conflicts in some areas and the critical role Conference in Cairo, October 2016, as
the Church is playing in reconciliation, trauma expressed in paras. 30 and 31 of The Sixth
counselling and gospel outreach in a context Trumpet October 2016 Communiqué: “…We
where faith in divine providence has been recognise the need for our enhanced ecclesial
shattered. responsibility. We need to strengthen our
doctrinal teaching, our ecclesiastical ordering of
18. We are encouraged by the latest updates on the our collective life as a global fellowship and the
humanitarian and relief work of the Anglican flourishing of our gifts in the one another-ness
Relief and Development Fund (ARDF). of our mission … The Global South Primates will
therefore form a task force to recommend how
19. We became aware of the challenge of the these needs can be effectively addressed.”
scarcity of water facing many countries in
the world. We appeal to the international
9C O M MUNI O N NE WS
Structure was presented to the 7th Global
South Conference on 11th October 2019 at All
Saints’ Cathedral, Cairo (“the GSA Covenantal
Structure”).
29. In response to this paper, this 7th Global South
Conference resolved:
i. To adopt in principle the GSA Covenantal
Structure as the basis of membership in the
GSA as specified in section 3.1.2, subject to
Global South Study Group on Enhancing
approval by the respective Provinces.
Ecclesial Responsibility
ii. To disseminate and inform all the Global
South provinces of the adoption of the GSA
25. The Conference appreciated the commendable Covenantal Structure and these Resolutions.
work of the Global South Study Group on iii. To mandate the Global South Primates
Enhancing Ecclesial Responsibility, which Steering Committee (supported by a GSA
comprised the Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah (Chair), Follow-Up Executive Committee and a
the Most Revd Robert Duncan (Deputy Chair), Secretariat) to follow up on the administration
Canon Dr Michael Poon (Secretary), the Rt Revd and acceptance of membership, and
David Onouha, the Rt Revd Samy Shehata and oversee the implementation of the GSA
Canon Dr Phil Ashey. Covenantal Structure before 30th June
2021, with liberty to extend this time frame
26. The objectives of the enhanced ecclesial as it deems necessary.
structure proposed by the Study Group are
fourfold: (The GSA Covenantal Structure, which
i. To guard well together the faith that was enables GSA Provinces to be mutually
once for all delivered to the saints; accountable and to work together for Gospel
ii. To be effective in fulfilling God’s mission to mission, was adopted and can be read at
the world; globalsouthanglican.org)
iii. To strengthen the Global South (GS)
identity, its governance, its relational life Closing
and its collective mission and formation 30. We are strengthened, as a renewed Global
of disciples to respond with humility and South body, to be transformed by the renewal of
robustness to the social challenges and our minds, that by testing we may discern what
movements of thoughts in the larger church is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
and the world; and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
iv. To work for the well-being of our Anglican
Communion as we see ourselves as an The collect for the 16th Sunday after Trinity:
intrinsic part of the Communion. “O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the
prayers of your people who call upon you; and
27. This proposal was discussed, debated and mercifully grant that they may both perceive and
revised at this assembly over several sessions know what things they ought to do, and also may
as well as at the Primates Council meetings. have the grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns
28. The final proposal on The Global South with you, in the unity of the Spirit, one God now and
Fellowship of Anglican Churches (“the GSA”) forever. Amen.”
PROV I NCI AL NE WS
NEW ARCHBISHOP FOR
THE PROVINCE OF SOUTH EAST ASIA
T he Diocese of Singapore welcomes the Rt Revd Datuk Melter Jiki Tais,
the Bishop of Sabah, as the newly elected Archbishop of South East Asia
for the next four years.
He takes over the role in February 2020 from Archbishop Ng Moon Hing,
the Bishop of West Malaysia. Ordained into the priesthood in 1993 and
installed as the 6th Bishop of Sabah in 2015, Bishop Tais has served in many
parts of Sabah, and is Sabah’s first indigenous bishop.
10T EA CHI NG ART I CLE
THE
ONE
THING
THAT IS
NECESSARY
by Revd William Chee, Vicar,
Yishun Christian Church (Anglican)
T
he account of Martha and Mary in Luke
38
Now as they went on their way, Jesus
10:38-42 is a very familiar passage to most entered a village. And a woman named
Christians. However it is also one of most Martha welcomed him into her house.
easily misunderstood passages. 39
And she had a sister called Mary, who
From a cursory or careful reading of the passage,
sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his
one can come away with understanding that the teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted
one thing that Jesus says is necessary and that with much serving. And she went up
Mary has chosen is to sit at his feet to listen to his to him and said, "Lord, do you not care
teaching. This is the good portion that will not that my sister has left me to serve alone?
be taken away from her. In contrast, Martha has
chosen the “bad” or “inferior” portion which is to
Tell her then to help me." 41 But the Lord
be on her feet busy serving Jesus and his disciples. answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are
This is not an incorrect understanding. anxious and troubled about many things,
42
but one thing is necessary. Mary has
From this understanding, one can quickly draw the chosen the good portion, which will not
conclusion that it is always better to sit at Jesus’
feet to listen to him than to stand on our feet to
be taken away from her."
serve him. As a result, a false comparison is set luke 10:38-42
up between worshiping and working, restedness
and busyness, studying and serving, listening and there are times the psalmist would say, “One day
doing, with worshipping, restedness, studying, in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere”
listening as always coming up tops, as always the (Ps 84:10) but there are times the prophets would
one thing to choose. Well, we know this is not echo, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam 15:22)
true because we find God at times values activity and spell out the requirement of the Lord which is
instead of passivity, work instead of rest, service to “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly” (Mic
instead of study, doing instead of always learning. 6:8)! So, what is more important? What is more
Look at the life of Jesus. He was always working necessary? Sit at Jesus’ feet to listen or be on our
(Mk 1:32) but he does take time to be with the feet to serve him? Not easy to decide!
Father (Mk 1:35). He does send his disciples out
for mission (Mk 2:14) but he does take them aside Another quick understanding and conclusion from
and teach them (Mk 4:10). In the Old Testament, the passage is that the one thing that is necessary
Christ in the House of Martha and Mary is a painting finished in 1655 by the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. It depicts Christ’s visit to
the sisters’ house, praising Mary’s willingness to sit and listen to his teachings, unlike Martha who was preoccupied with housekeeping.
11T EA CHI NG ART I CLE
is to be not hurried, not anxious, not distracted, elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and
not troubled, not critical, not agitated. Well, there killed, and on the third day be raised” (Lk 9:22).
is support for this from the passage. Martha was In the context of the synoptic gospels, Matthew
distracted, anxious, troubled, agitated and critical. and Mark, this means that this account is located
As for Mary’s state of mind and heart, we were not during the period of Jesus’ deliberate movement
told. We are to presume that she was blissfully from Galilee to Jerusalem. This is the time when
still and at peace at the feet of Jesus listening to Jesus moves towards the cross, when time is short,
his teaching. If the one thing that is necessary is when he needs to do many things and teach as
to choose to be still in whatever one does, then many important lessons as he can. Furthermore,
Martha should choose to be unhurried, to be at during this period, we have the account of the
peace, to be calm in her busy servicing, instead transfiguration, where we are told of a voice from
of complaining. Now this is very possible. Brother heaven that said, “This is my Son, my chosen one,
Lawrence, author of “The Practice of The Presence listen to him!” This sets out the key response
of God,” did this while serving in the kitchen. to Jesus for this period: it is to listen to him! So
we find in the Gospel of Luke, eight chapters of
teaching by Jesus; in Matthew, four chapters of
Mary has chosen the teaching; and in Mark, two chapters of teaching,
before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
good portion, which With this context in mind, we can now begin to
interpret Luke 10:38-42, which is a passage unique
will not be taken away to Luke.
from her.” From v38 in the passage, we note that Jesus was
welcomed by Martha. Although this was the first
time Martha is mentioned in Luke, this does not
mean Martha was a stranger to Jesus. From the
But there are situations where stillness or calmness Gospel of John, we know she was known and
is not a choice. The situation may demand intensity, loved by Jesus, together with her sister Mary and
urgency, passion and exertion. Again, look at the her brother Lazarus (Jn 11). So, it is very likely that
life of Jesus. In the gospel of Mark, we get the this was not the first time that Jesus was hosted
sense he was rushing from one place to another. by them in their home. So, the entry and welcome
Immediately… immediately... immediately… he was not unusual.
was off somewhere. What about Paul? He strained;
he strived; he pressed on; he was hard-pressed.
Besides Jesus and Paul’s example, a further reason
why the one thing that one should choose is not
about being calm and being still is that Jesus did
Sometimes we run
commend Mary for her choice of sitting at his feet
to listen to him as compared to Martha choosing
ahead with what we
to be on her feet serving in the kitchen. We cannot
escape the fact that Mary’s choice was commended
as the good portion. So even if Martha had been
think the Lord desires
calm and still, like Brother Lawrence, it would still
be not the good portion that Jesus praises Mary What was unusual was what happens next in v39.
for. There we are told, almost immediately, that Mary
was at the feet of Jesus listening to his teaching. Note
So what is this one thing that is necessary? That the speed from being welcomed to him teaching.
should always be chosen? Applies to all situation? Now Mary’s posture may not be literal. It may be
To understand this, I suggest it is not just cursory just an expression to indicate that Mary was being
reading or careful reading that we need. We need instructed or educated by Jesus. Paul was said in
also a contextual reading, that is, to understand Acts 22:3 to be “educated at the feet of Gamaliel.”
Luke 10:38-42 in the context of the gospel of Luke So, Mary was being instructed and educated here.
and also in the context of the synoptic gospels. And whatever that Jesus was teaching at this point,
Let’s look at the passage contextually. in the context of his movement towards the cross,
must have been important such that he needed to
In the context of the Gospel of Luke, Luke 10:38- teach it immediately, and Mary needed to listen
42 occurred after Peter had confessed Jesus attentively.
as “the Christ of God” (Lk 9:20) and after Jesus
had revealed that he would “be rejected by the Now as soon as we are introduced to Mary, we are
12T EA CHI NG ART I CLE
redirected back to Martha. From v40 we are told, hearts from being divided and uncertain. If we are
she was distracted with much serving. Hence a not sure of what the Lord wants, we will be anxious;
contrast between Martha and Mary is set up. Mary we will be troubled; we will be distracted, we will
sat at Jesus’ feet to listen to his teaching whereas be agitated.
Martha was distracted with much serving. One was
listening attentively and devotedly to the master So it is not always sitting at his feet to listen nor
but the other was agitated and troubled, busy is it always be on our feet to serve. And it is not
trying to get things ready for the master. Martha always unhurriedness nor is it always intensity. The
was so agitated that we are told, “And she went one thing that is always necessary is to listen to
up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my him and choose what he chooses. “Listen to him!”
sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to “My sheep hears my voice.” It could be to sit at his
help me."” feet to learn or it could be to serve in the kitchen to
bless. If you choose what the Lord desires of you,
“My sheep it will be never taken away from you. And I believe
you will not be in two minds or be troubled. So,
choose what he chooses at each point in time!
hears my voice.” That is the one thing that is necessary, that is always
necessary!
Martha does have a point here. It is important to
serve the Lord and to serve him well. Probably this
was what she has done before. She needs all the
help she can get to do this again. And as for sitting
to listen to Jesus’ teaching, that can wait, that can
come later. What is needed is first things first. Serve
the Lord. Minister to the Lord. That is what Martha
thinks. But the Lord thinks otherwise. The Lord
lovingly corrects her in v41, “Martha, Martha, you
are anxious and troubled about many things…”
And he then goes on to commend Mary in v42,
“but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the
good portion, which will not be taken away from
her.”
Mary has indeed chosen the one thing that is
necessary, that is always necessary. In its context,
it is not just sitting at Jesus’ feet to listen to his
teaching per se, but knowing the desires of the
Lord, knowing the will of the Lord for that moment
in time. This is to sit at his feet to listen. The intention
of Jesus is to teach. There is an urgency here. Mary
caught that but Martha did not. Maybe she was too
engrossed with her own ideas as to what to do and
how to please Jesus. Sometimes we run ahead
with what we think the Lord desires at a point in
time. And we rush off with our thoughts, opinions
and agenda. I believe Martha did that. She failed
to notice the one thing that is necessary at that
point in time.
It is not that hospitality or serving is not important.
It is not that stillness and restedness and
unhurriedness is more important. They are all
equally important. But at this point in time, there
is a need, there is an urgency to listen because
the Lord is moving towards Jerusalem. The Lord’s
desire is to teach. The Lord’s desire is for Martha
and Mary to learn. Not to be distracted and
troubled by other things. This is the one thing he
desires. Focusing on this one thing will keep their
13
13T EA CHI NG ART I CLE
FAITH, TONGUES AND
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Inaugural talk by Revd Dr Lim Teck Peng, on the occasion of his induction as the
Lee Huai Kwang Professor of Religious Education at Trinity Theological College
R
Introduction (Acts 2:4, 6, 8, 11). We read from verses 5 and 6:
eligious education is always an important “Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing
part of the believer’s spiritual journey. Jews from every nation under heaven. When
What is religious education? In Europe and they heard this sound, a crowd came together
in certain parts of Asia, it is a subject taught in bewilderment, because each one heard their
in schools. Elsewhere, it has a broader meaning own language being spoken.” What is noteworthy
that covers processes and experiences related to is that the Gospel was not preached in Greek or
the transmission of beliefs and values in a religious Aramaic but in the different native languages or
community. mother tongues of the hearers.
As an academic discipline, the purpose of In the Roman Empire, using vernacular
“Christian religious education,” or more accurately languages for public speaking was an unusual
“the study of Christian religious education,” is act. This went against the established rule of
to examine and develop Christian thinking and language use of the day. Greek was the lingua
practices with regards to faith formation and franca in the east side of Roman Empire. In fact, in
discipleship. It covers a wide range of subjects, the Roman Empire, people of different races used
some of which are very concrete and practical, and either Greek or Latin as their common medium of
some others fairly abstract. communication in the public realm. The message
Tonight, the topic I want to talk about revolves
around Christian religious education, language
and Singapore’s national language policy. It is
THE VERNACULARISATION OF
not too abstract, but requires some hard thinking THE GOSPEL IS LINKED TO THE
nevertheless.
MISSIONAL VOCATION OF THE
The Gospel and Tongues CHURCH THAT FINDS IT ROOT IN
The content and approach of Christian religious
education is grounded by the gospel of Christ. THE OLD TESTAMENT.
The Church needs educational concepts and
imagination that are rooted in the gospel, of the gospel would have been received and
otherwise, we will be bound by experiences, understood by everyone if it had been preached in
especially school experiences. I cannot think of a Greek. In Jerusalem, Aramaic, a language spoken
more appropriate place to begin from than Acts 2. by Jesus, was the main local language among
In this passage, we witness how the Holy the resident Jews. In view of this background of
Spirit descended upon the apostles after the language use, the use of vernacular languages in
resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. this inaugural moment of the Church is as puzzling
The Gospel was then proclaimed by the as the miracle of the apostles speaking in foreign
apostles in the native languages of the people tongues. I call it the vernacularisation of the gospel.
14T EA CHI NG ART I CLE
Concerning this extraordinary phenomenon monk who wrote the Ecclesiastical History of the
created by the descent of the Holy Spirit, a 16th English People in the 8th century, has called “gifts
century Lutheran theologian Johann Spangenberg of a variety of graces”.
commented, Why cloven tongues? In order to show In the second part of my lecture, I will shift our
that the gospel should be preached throughout attention from first-century Jerusalem to twenty-
the entire world in every language and tongue. first century Singapore, to focus on the relationship
For just as God in the Old Testament through many between the Church and Singapore’s national
languages and tongues scattered throughout the language policy.
world the construction of the Tower of Babel, so
the Holy Spirit in the New Testament gathers the Church and Shifting Language Landscape
construction workers of Christendom from many In 1966, Singapore embarked on its own journey
languages and tongues into the unity of faith from of bilingualism as a newly independent state.
every part of the world. Before independence, the schools in Singapore
The vernacularisation of the gospel is clearly were divided by our four language streams. It was
related to the spread of the Good News. The natural for the Christians who went to the Chinese
question is: why the use of vernacular? Since a and Tamil-medium schools to become the main
common language was available and preferred as force behind vernacular evangelism and religious
the medium of public communication, what was education. The Chinese- and Tamil-speaking
the purpose of using vernaculars at this inaugural churches in Singapore became unique spaces
moment of the church? By bringing into view the where transformative encounters between Christ
prophetic vision of Isaiah, I hope to propose that and culture took place outside the lands of origin
the vernacularisation of the gospel is linked to the of these cultures.
missional vocation of the Church that finds it root
in the Old Testament.
In Isaiah 2, the prophet describes how in the
last days many peoples will go up to the mountain
of the Lord and He will teach them His ways:
Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us
go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house
of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths." The law will
go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from
Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:3)
Reading Acts 2 alongside the prophetic Dr and Mrs Lim Teck Peng (left) with Revd and Mrs
vision helps us realise that the descent of the Lee Chong Kau (donor and son of the late Revd Lee
Holy Spirit inaugurates the arrival of a new era in Huai Kwang)
which people will be able to learn the way of the
Lord in their mother tongues! Since the Church
was inaugurated with the vernacularisation of When Singapore started bilingual education
the gospel, her missional vocation is therefore soon after independence, English became a
inseparable from language – specifically from the compulsory subject in the vernacular schools as
mother tongue. a second language, and the three other official
What can contemporary Christians learn from languages — Chinese, Malay and Tamil — became
looking back at the inaugural moment of the compulsory subjects in the English-medium
Church? At the personal level, the vernacularisation schools for the Chinese, Malay and Indian students
of the gospel implies that Christians should strive respectively.
to help others know the gospel in his or her heart It is worth mentioning that Singapore has
language, and encounter Christ therein. consistently emphasized the instrumental value
In church history, the vernacularisation of of English as the working language and lingua
the gospel has been the conviction of many franca among all races, and the various mother
Christian missionaries over the centuries. In Asia tongues as an identity marker against excessive
and anywhere else in the world, vernacularisation Westernisation. Concerning the role of mother
of the Good News has been actualised through tongues, it was stated in the 2010 Mother Tongue
Bible translation and by missionaries committed Languages Review (MTLR):
to preaching and teaching the Gospel using
local languages. Their evangelistic endeavours Learning MTL enables our students to
create the unique space where people hear and understand and develop their unique identity
encounter the gospel in a heart-felt and liberating through a deeper appreciation of culture,
manner. This is what Bede, an English Benedictine traditions, literature and history. This is a
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