Latest news with #Church
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
St Peter's Church Padungan launches book chronicling legacy, architecture
Archbishop Poh (right) launches the 'Anchoring Tradition, Embracing Changes' coffee table book as Fr Chin (second right), along with editorial team members Donald and Marina, look on. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 28): A coffee table book titled 'Anchoring Tradition, Embracing Changes', chronicling the rich history and architectural evolution of St Peter's Church Padungan, was launched today during a ceremony that also marked the official opening of the parish's new church building. The book was unveiled by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Dato Dr Simon Poh, witnessed by St Peter's Church Rector Rev Fr Vincent Chin and editorial team members Donald Tan and Marina Tan. A cloth was lifted from the display copy to reveal the cover, symbolising the culmination of years of collective effort to preserve the parish's legacy in print. Described as both a visual and written testament to the church's journey, the book captures decades of faith, transformation, and architectural craftsmanship. In his 'Introduction & Feature Brief' of the new church, Fr Chin reflected on the design philosophy behind the building. 'Today marks a significant milestone for our parish as we officially open this new St Peter's Church – a house of God built with love, faith, and purpose. 'In designing this sacred space, we were guided by the principle of anchoring traditions, embracing change. It was Archbishop Emeritus John Ha who suggested we adopt a classic Neo-Gothic style – to root this church in timeless tradition. In contrast, our Cathedral of St Joseph speaks boldly of modernity. 'Together, they reflect the balance our Church seeks – grounded in the past, open to the future,' said Fr Chin. The book documents the history of St Peter's Church, Padungan, and highlights the building's architectural features and unique design elements. It stands as a product of the parish community's collective efforts — guided by the Parish Council and supported by the faithful — and as a living testament to God's grace at work in both Padungan and Bintawa. Copies were presented to Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who officiated the ceremony on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The grand opening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by key dignitaries including Uggah; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian; Archbishop Poh; Bishop of Penang, His Eminence Cardinal Dato Sri Sebastian Francis; Melaka-Johor Diocese's Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul; and Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd director James Ling, the project's main contractor. Fr Chin then led the symbolic opening of the church doors, welcoming parishioners and guests into the new sacred space. In a show of support, Uggah also presented a RM1 million cheque from the Sarawak government through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to support the St Peter's Church Development Fund. The cheque was received by Archbishop Poh and Fr Chin, witnessed by Dr Sim and Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau. A musical highlight of the event featured 11-year-old organist Kai Laird performing a digital organ showcase, introduced with a technical explanation by Stephen Chin. The historic celebration concluded with lunch for invited guests, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Kuching's most cherished parishes. coffee table book Kuching simon poh St Peter's Church Padungan
Herald Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Bishop Rojas on rise in ICE raids: ‘It is not of the Gospel of Jesus Christ'
After the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered Church properties in California, Bishop Rojas has issued a message calling for an end to tactics that cause 'a tremendous amount of fear, confusion, and anxiety.' Jun 28, 2025 Members in a prayer group holds hands, while vans transporting migrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) depart from the ICE Broadview Service Staging Area, in Broadview, Illinois By Kielce GussieOn June 23, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, issued a letter responding to recent reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entering Catholic churches. Moving onto Church property On June 20, diocesan officials stated ICE agents entered two Catholic parish properties in Montclair and Highland and detained multiple people in the parking lot of St. Adelaide Church in Highland, California. The director of communications for the Diocese of San Bernardino, John Andrews, said those detained did not work for the parish nor were they parishioners. However, he did report that one male parishioner was taken into custody at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Montclair on June 20. We are with you Bishop Rojas, who heads the sixth-largest Catholic diocese in the United States, strongly condemned the ramping up of ICE activities. In his message to the Catholic community, he pointed out that 'authorities are now seizing brothers and sisters indiscriminately, without respect for their right to due process and their dignity as children of God.' He expressed his solidarity and closeness to the immigrant communities 'who are bearing the trauma and injustice of these tactics,' reminding them that 'we join you in carrying this very difficult cross.' The Bishop stressed his support for law enforcement doing their job to protect the community from violence criminals. At the same time, he emphasized that now ICE is detaining people as they leave their homes, offices, and other public settings. Pointing out that there is at least one recorded incident of ICE agents entering Church property, Bishop Rojas acknowledged that this creates fear, confusion, and anxiety. 'It is not of the Gospel of Jesus Christ—which guides us in all that we do.' A call for change The Bishop called on all political leaders to 'reconsider and cease these tactics immediately' and replace them 'in favor of an approach that respects human rights and human dignity.' These changes can help build 'a more lasting, comprehensive reform of our immigration system.' As many people voice their opposition to the current ICE tactics, Bishop Rojas challenged protestors to 'act without vulgarity, violence toward others, or destruction of property' to avoid a furthering of tension. Closing his message, the Bishop reflected on a statement Pope Francis once told him—that the Pontiff's greatest fear was division. 'It is painful to see such division amongst God's people at this moment,' Bishop Rojas continued, because this is contrary to God's plan for His children. In the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope, he urged everyone to share the hope of Christ to the world, as 'this hope is an antidote to the strife and suffering in our communities.'--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Cardinal Czerny asks Church to remember seafarers on Sea Sunday
In his message for Sea Sunday, the second Sunday of July, Cardinal Michael Czerny recognizes seafarers as 'pilgrims of hope' and calls on Catholics to shine a light on the global economy and its effects on those who work on ships and in ports. Jun 28, 2025 FILE PHOTO: Container ship crosses the Gulf of Suez towards the Red Sea before entering the Suez Canal By Christopher WellsBasing his reflection on the insight of Vatican II that whatever is genuinely human resonates in the hearts of Christians, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Michael Czerny, assures 'all those who work at sea… that they are in the heart of the Church; they are not alone in their demands for justice, dignity, and joy.'Questioning the global economy In his Message for Sea Sunday—observed each year on the second Sunday of July—Cardinal Czerny insists that the Good News of the Risen Christ demands that Christians question 'even more radically… the existing order, because the Kingdom of God calls us to conversion.' So, he continues, 'the whole Church is called to consider how people work in ports and on ships today, with what rights, under what conditions, with what material and spiritual assistance.' In concrete terms, Cardinal Czerny calls on Catholics 'to shine some light on what lies behind our economies, on those who make them work on a daily basis, often not benefitting from them at all and indeed exposing themselves to discrimination and danger.' Seafarers as 'pilgrims of hope' He goes on to express a desire to recognize seafarers as 'pilgrims of hope' who 'embody the desire of every human being… to live a life of dignity, through work, exchange, encounters.' Hope, the Cardinal explains, 'must always remind us of our goal: we are not wanderers without a destiny, but daughters and sons whose dignity no one and nothing can ever erase.' And because we are all brothers and sisters coming from and returning to the same home, 'we can hope.' 'Already today, solidarity among ourselves and among all living beings can be stronger and more alive', Cardinal Czerny says. The sea calls us to conversion After thanking seafarers and their colleagues, whatever their religious or cultural affiliations, the prefect tells them, for being pilgrims of hope, the prefect invites them 'to be bridges even between enemy countries, prophets of peace'. And at the same time he asks ecclesial communities, and especially dioceses encompassing seas, rivers, or lakes, 'to promote attention to the Sea as a physical and spiritual environment that calls us to conversion.'--Vatican News
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Archbishop of Wales steps down after report into Bangor cathedral scandal
Archbishop of Wales steps down after report into Bangor cathedral scandal Andrew John's sudden retirement comes after reports into the Bangor diocese raised concerns about excessive drinking and 'sexual behaviour' Archbishop Andy John, the Archbishop of Wales and leader of Church in Wales has announced his retirement. (Image: Church in Wales ) The Archbishop of Wales has announced his immediate retirement. The Most Revd. Andrew John confirmed he also intendeds to retire as the Bishop of Bangor on August 31. His sudden retirement comes in the wake of two reports, commissioned by the Church in Wales over concerns about the culture surrounding the Bangor Diocese. The reports referenced inappropriate behaviour, lack of boundaries, excessive alcohol consumption and "sexual behaviour–that did not reflect the professional standards expected in a Christian church". The Church in Wales and the bench of bishops expressed their gratitude to Archbishop John,. in the wake of today's announcement. The Archbishop said: "It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years. I cannot thank you enough for the privilege of working at your side for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ." Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here He added: "I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire and I will be in touch again about the way in which this might happen. Article continues below "Thank you, and Christ give you joy and peace in believing." The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Rev'd Gregory Cameron, Senior Bishop of the Church in Wales, spoke on behalf of the Bench of Bishops in a statement about the Archbishop's retirement. He said: "As Archbishop Andrew announces his retirement today as Archbishop of Wales and his forthcoming retirement as Bishop of Bangor, the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales wish to express our heartfelt thanks for his service to the Church during his ministry. "Andy has dedicated thirty-six years of his life to ordained ministry in the Church in Wales, and has served with commitment and energy to proclaim the Christian Gospel and draw people to deeper faith in Jesus Christ. "He has given so much for the good of the Church in Wales. He now lays down his considerable responsibilities in the same spirit in which he has served for these decades. "We offer most sincere thanks, and our commitment to hold him and his family in prayer at this time and in the days ahead." The Chair of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, Professor Medwin Hughes also shared his gratitude to Archbishop Andrew. He said: " As Archbishop Andrew retires from his duties, I wish to thank him on behalf of The Representative Body of the Church in Wales for his hard work, commitment and vision during his time as Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor. "The Archbishop has led the Church through a time of immense change and challenge. Throughout his time in post, has shown his deeply felt concern for the welfare, not just of the Church itself, but of our society and the world as a whole. "I know that everyone who has worked with The Archbishop during his ministry will have been touched by his pastoral care and his profound dedication to improving the life of the Church in Wales and of the wider community. Article continues below "As he now passes that work to other hands, I want to place on record my sincere gratitude for all he has achieved, together with my admiration for the integrity of his ministry to the people of Wales. All members of the Representative Body will continue to hold The Archbishop and his family in our prayers."
Observer
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Observer
Police, clergy scuffle in Armenia as standoff escalates
YEREVAN: A scuffle broke out in Armenia on Friday between clergymen and police, part of an escalating standoff between the influential Church and the Caucasian nation's authorities. The Two sides have been at loggerheads since Catholicos Garegin II — the church's spiritual leader — began calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign over Armenia's military defeat to Azerbaijan in 2020. The loss of the disputed Karabakh region to Azerbaijan in 2023, Armenia's arch-foe, has divided the country and escalated the dispute. On Wednesday, the Armenian authorities said they had foiled a coup plot involving a senior cleric who had rallied opposition to Pashinyan and more than a dozen other suspects. The latest confrontation erupted after police arrived at the residence of the head of the Apostolic Church to arrest another senior figure, archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan. He is accused of publicly calling for the government to be overthrown. Masked police attempted to enter the residence of Garegin II to arrest Adjapahyan. Prosecutors had earlier charged him with "public calls aimed at seizing power... and violently overthrowing the constitutional order". Following the scuffle between priests and law enforcement officers, Adjapahyan said he would surrender to police but denied any wrongdoing. "This is a blatant act of lawlessness against me," he said. "I have never been a threat to our country. The real threat sits in government. I won't hide. I'll go with them." But locals and priests closed the gates of the residence, preventing Adjapahyan from leaving the premises and surrendering to police. Armenia's security service said it would deploy additional forces to detain Adjapahyan. Earlier this month, Pashinyan escalated the feud with the church by accusing Garegin II of fathering an illegitimate child and urging believers to oust him. That prompted calls for Pashinyan to be excommunicated. An Armenian court put an influential cleric into two months of pre-trial detention on coup attempt charges, a day after authorities claimed to have foiled a plot to overthrow the government. On Thursday, "a court of general jurisdiction in Yerevan decided to send Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan to a pre-trial detention for a period of two months," one of his lawyers, Hovhannes Khudoyan, told journalists. Armenia's Investigative Committee said the court granted motions for pre-trial detention for all the detained, adding that "15 suspects have been placed in custody". Later on Thursday, Armenia's prosecutor general office announced it had opened a criminal case against another senior cleric. — AFP
