Newly elected President of the Council of Churches Danald Jute urges Church to be 'prophetic, serve all'
KUCHING (May 4): The Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute has called on the Church in Malaysia to be prophetic and to embody a spirit of service to the community.
By 'prophetic,' Danald explained that the Church needs to speak out against injustice, advocate for ethical principles, and become a moral voice in society.
'As a community of faith and of hope, the church must stand and fight for fairness, equity, and justice for all, including challenging societal norms and speaking truth to power,' said Danald in a statement issued by the Kuching Bishop's Office, following his election as President of the Council of Churches in Malaysia (CCM).
'The church must advocate for the poor and marginalized, and at the same time demonstrate a commitment to love and reconciliation especially in multi-ethnic, multi-religious Malaysia,' said Danald who is also Anglican Church Bishop of Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam.
'Even in difficult circumstances, a prophetic church proclaims hope.'
He was elected to lead the CCM for the 2025–2028 term, taking over from Co-Episcopa Philip Thomas of the Orthodox Syrian Church in Malaysia.
The election took place during the CCM's 18th Triennial Assembly, held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, from April 28 to May 1.
During the triennial assembly themed 'One In Christ – Proclaiming Hope, Serving Communities' based on John 17: 21, Danald expressed his appreciation to the Assembly and especially to his fellow leaders for the trust in him to lead the CCM.
He also said he was humbled by the appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the wider Church and communities in Malaysia and beyond. Bishop Danald Jute church lead religion
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