RoH Malaysiatag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//32008-05-12T17:46:42ZMovable Type 3.34Watch Out!tag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7512008-05-12T17:46:00Z2008-05-12T17:46:42ZSKwww.ShermanKuek.net
]]>
Landmark Verdicttag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7462008-05-08T23:49:19Z2008-05-08T23:53:57ZPENANG: In a landmark case, the Syariah High Court here allowed an application by Muslim convert Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah, 39, to renounce Islam and officially revert to her original faith. [ Read more ] KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians of all...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
Read more ]
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians of all races and religions should accept the Penang Syariah High Court's decision to allow Muslim convert Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah to renounce Islam and officially revert to her original faith.
[ Read more ]]]>
RoH Statement on Non-Partisanshiptag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7432008-05-06T15:11:18Z2008-05-06T15:13:07ZThis is a public statement from RoH Malaysia pertaining to our participation in the politics of the nation, in order that our rhetorics may be received in proper perspective: RoH Malaysia is committed to a non-partisan position in our political...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
RoH Malaysia is committed to a non-partisan position in our political stance. As a team, we neither stand in support of nor against any political party in Malaysia. Our utmost concern reflects the concern of the Body of Christ: justice and peace. As we seek to uphold the dignity of the marginalised in society, we are committed to articulating our concerns regarding relevant issues in accordance with the theological and ethical standards of the Church. That these articulations pertaining to any socio-political reality implicates upon particular political positions and parties does not at all or at any time reflect a spirit of political partisanship on our part.]]>
The Word "Allah"tag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7342008-04-24T05:07:52Z2008-04-24T05:10:14ZA letter from the Christian Federation of Malaysia: Dear friends, This is to inform you of the following: The Minister for Internal Security issued a Publication Permit dated 12th February 2008 for the period 1st January 2008 until 31st December...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
A letter from the Christian Federation of Malaysia:
Dear friends,
This is to inform you of the following:
The Minister for Internal Security issued a Publication Permit dated 12th February 2008 for the period 1st January 2008 until 31st December 2008 to the Titular Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, the Publisher of the HERALD - The Catholic Weekly stating that the Publication Permit is subject to a Garis Panduan Penerbitan which prohibits the Publisher from
using the word ALLAH in the HERALD - The Catholic Weekly.
The decision of the Minister for Internal Security was unacceptable and on 19th March 2008, an Application for Judicial Review was filed in the Kuala Lumpur High Court to challenge the decision of the Minister. The first state of the Application for Judicial Review i.e. to seek leave or permission to proceed is fixed for hearing at 9.00am on 25th April 2008.
Archbishop Murphy Pakiam will be in the High Court for the hearing. Kindly make this known to your parishioners and pray for the intention of the Archbishop and other Bishops on this matter.
Sample Prayer:
We pray that the High Court in honouring the rights of all citizens of Malaysia will uphold the Constitutional Rights of Christians to use the word ALLAH in all Christian Publications like the Malay Bible or Al-Kitab, the Malay Prayer books, our Catechism books for children, our Malay Mass books and even in our weekly publication HERALD. We pray to the Lord.]]>
Church and Politicstag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7292008-04-18T12:51:49Z2008-04-19T02:46:44ZRoH Malaysia is extremely committed to speaking into society - particularly the Malaysian society - on issues of justice and peace. As a team of people representing different traditions of the Christian faith, it is necessary that a positional understanding...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
Church and Politics
Sherman YL Kuek
April 2008Sherman is a theological researcher, writer and conversationist who dialogues with people of various backgrounds and traditions on issues pertaining to theology, spirituality, and culture. He is the Convenor of Revolution of Hope (RoH Malaysia). At the parish level, he serves as a Lay Ecclesial Minister (Pastoral Assistant). Sherman is completing a doctorate degree in Systematic and Contextual Theology with Trinity Theological College (Singapore). He blogs on www.shermankuek.net.Many Christians seem almost entirely unsure about the role of the Church in the political arena.
Some Christians, on the one hand, seem to relegate the role of political partisanship to the Church, as if it was the responsibility of the Church to sway people either towards or away from particular political inclinations and parties.
Some other Christians, on the other hand, seem to think there is no role at all for the Church in politics and that she should maintain a posture of absolute silence on anything within the domain of the secular state.
One must remember, the ultimate concerns of the Church of Jesus Christ are not of this world although they find their temporal embodiment in the present circumstances of this world. The Church, beyond elections, democracy and government (all of which are legitimate mechanisms for the regulation of the temporal world), finds her prophetic calling in the upholding of peace and justice in the world, for these deal with the higher and eternal values of the Christ who established His Church in the world.
Elections, democracy and government are therefore – in the eyes of the Church – nothing more (and nothing less) than instruments for the promotion of peace and justice. She of herself is to be a non-partisan, non-political entity.
The Church’s task as the visible Kingdom of God in the world is to articulate and proclaim its concern for justice and peace, and to strive towards upholding it. This task at times involves the expression of support for specific causes that coincidentally favour particular political positions and organisations; but these are merely coincidental, for the Church’s other articulations of peace and justice may very well coincidentally condemn the causes of those very same political positions and organisations her previous articulations seemed to endorse.
It is therefore not the particularities of any one political entity’s positions the Church seeks to endorse or illegitimise, but rather, the causes and values for which these particularities stand. Christians should therefore make no mistake about it. If the Church’s expression of support seems to endorse the cause of any political entity, it is entirely coincidental. Likewise, if her expression of condemnation impinges upon the cause of any political entity, it is also not the political entity itself, but rather, the cause she seeks to condemn.
Therefore, the position of the Church is neither one of utter indifference nor political partisanship. Her position is one of justice and peace, this being a position that coincidentally presents profound implications for the express stances of political entities.
Having understood that, the individual Christian is then called to vote for the cause of justice and peace, and not in accordance with the law of partisanship. The Church together with her leadership are also to refrain from telling people, “Vote for…” or “Do not vote for…”; this is not her calling. Her calling is to execute and sustain the consciousness of people in matters of justice and peace, to be the righteous voice of Christ in a partisan political world.
Of Himself, Christ is neither government nor opposition, Labour nor Conservative, Democratic nor Republican. Christ is Christ.]]>
Political Tsunami: the Aftermathtag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7252008-04-15T06:58:24Z2008-04-15T07:01:16ZSo the general election of Malaysia is over, and the Cabinet has been appointed. There you have it, the people you have chosen now sit in the offices to which they have been appointed. After this political tsunami, what's next?...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
So the general election of Malaysia is over, and the Cabinet has been appointed. There you have it, the people you have chosen now sit in the offices to which they have been appointed.
After this political tsunami, what's next? Tricia Yeoh, Director for Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS), expresses her hopeful observation that
...Malaysians are now pointed in the direction of democratisation, an equitable society, social justice, principled governance (over and above race-based politics), public accountability, and freedom of expression.
How may Christian individuals in Malaysia participate in this struggle?
What might be some appropriate theological responses to these issues confronting Malaysia?
What sort of spirituality can Malaysian Christians embrace in the light of these realitise?
Topic:
Blessings Amidst Blunders... A Contextual Liberation Theology for Malaysia
Resident Instructor:
Revd Dr Jojo Fung, SJ
Invited Speaker:
Sherman Kuek
Venue:
Sacred Heart Cathedral,
Taman Sri Tebrau,
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Date/Time:
22 April (Tuesday) @ 8 pm]]>
Commentary on 12 General Electionstag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7152008-04-03T00:05:56Z2008-04-03T00:16:55ZDear Friends, Below is a commentary on the results of the 12th Malaysian General Elections which took place last month. This commentary is written by Tricia Yeoh on behalf of RoH Malaysia. In several months' time, RoH Malaysia aims to...SKwww.ShermanKuek.netCommentary on Malaysia’s 12th General Elections 2008
For Revolution of Hope (RoH Malaysia)by Tricia Yeoh
April 2008Tricia is currently the Director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies, at which she engages in national socio-economic issues through research, analysis and fostering policy dialogue. This covers a wide range of issues, dealing for example, with inter-faith dialogue and economic policies. Her work involves interacting closely with the country's socio-political environment. She hopes to work constructively toward a matured and united Malaysia, and envisions faith and vocation as one, as we seek common goals and platforms in the long-term nation-building process. She blogs on www.egalitaria.wordpress.com.
For those who have toiled many years fighting injustice in Malaysia, the results of the 12th General Election was considered vindication. Growing frustration with the administration led to what has been called a “political tsunami”, leading to the stronghold Barisan Nasional coalition losing its two-thirds majority at Parliament level. More shocking was its loss of four states, leaving the loose Opposition coalition to lead five State Governments in total, also unprecedented since Malaysia’s independence in 1957.
There were certainly a host of factors leading to this watershed event. Touted very much as an elections in which people exercised punishment votes, the percentage of popular vote for the coalition Government fell from 63% in 2004 to 51.2% in 2008, showing only slightly more than half of Malaysia’s voting population showing support for the present administration. These “push” variables have been charted out in analytic terms, listed in simple order as state corruption, inflation, displeasure with the New Economic Policy and its accompanying preferential policies for the Bumiputera community (made up of Malays and natives of the land) resulting in gross intra-ethnic socio economic disparity, issues of religious freedom, the economy, and the general perception of institutional and structural failures (the judiciary and police are two in particular).
One of the more significant “pull” factors was Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s ex-Deputy Prime Minister, who, after his recent release from seven-year imprisonment, went on massive rounds all across the country to rally for candidates in his party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat, originally formed on the premise of highlighting political injustice that was served him in 1998). Anwar’s ambition is to shoot for power, namely as head honcho of the state, and observers see these results as steadily laying the bricks in that very direction. The fact that the nation’s ex-Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed (arch enemy of Anwar), launched a series of strong criticism against the present Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi added fuel to the fire.
In a complexity of sorts, Malaysians had a plethora of issues and platforms to choose from, in voting against Barisan Nasional. All seemed to work in favour of the opposition, even if this was not considered a viable alternative. If one were not necessarily an Anwar supporter, one would weigh carefully the once-considered-wisdom of Dr Mahathir. If one were not necessarily an advocate for human rights and social justice, one would cite the dwindling economy as a reason to awaken the seemingly slackening Government. In either corner one turned, one was hit smack in the face with endless issues 360 degrees all around. The degrees and complexities to which each issue lent itself to the fabric of dissatisfaction remains to be explored. Some, for example, have argued that the Government’s last-minute decision to withdraw the use of indelible ink (earlier promised tooth and nail to enhance transparent election processes) was the straw that broke the camel’s back, proving the insincerity and potential fraudulence of the system.
As results streamed in steadily on a late Saturday night, into an early Sunday on March the 9th, Malaysians awoke to a new dawn. This new Malaysia was one characterised by an empowerment that although ironically belonged to the people, was also unrecognisable. For so long had frustrations simmered silently, until no longer could a storm in a teacup remain still. Despite initial hiccups, political instability within the opposition groups (PKR, DAP, PAS) and Government (UMNO, MCA, MIC, and others), this momentous event marks a positive step for Malaysia’s democratisation process as a whole. People now acknowledge their role as participatory citizens in the future of the nation, the very element necessary in any democracy.
Perseverance and longsuffering take on a new meaning in light of this new Malaysia. Many strived towards achieving a goal, although this goal was nowhere near in sight. Underlying this was a belief, real or imagined, that someday their work would reap good fruit. Now, whether or not these results would have been harvested in one’s lifetime is irrelevant, since dedication to a cause (for social, economic and political justice) should not be influenced by one’s belief in its ease of attainment. No, many should (and would) have continued working anyway, in creating a better society, whether or not the Elections resulted in opposition obtaining zero or 82 Parliamentary seats.
The point is, sweet victory was tasted and it is a welcome reminder that little “kingdoms on earth” can be exemplified right here, right now. Why the results of the Elections are considered a victory is not because Barisan Nasional lost numerous seats, nor was it because the Opposition control five out of 13 state Governments, a fivefold achievement. It is because Malaysians are now pointed in the direction of democratisation, an equitable society, social justice, principled governance (over and above race-based politics), public accountability, and freedom of expression. For all political parties to recognise this is a giant step for the country. Now begins the actual work in putting rhetoric into practice. Malaysians are holding their breath, but they acknowledge this. That this outcome has been a blessing of the most extraordinary kind.]]>
Catholic-Protestant Relationstag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7132008-03-29T05:11:32Z2008-03-29T05:13:57ZIn mid 2007, the Vatican released a document called Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church. The document described Christian Orthodox churches as true churches, but suffering from a “wound” since they do not...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
In mid 2007, the Vatican released a document called Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church.
The document described Christian Orthodox churches as true churches, but suffering from a “wound” since they do not recognise the primacy of the Pope. The text also refered to “ecclesial communities originating from the Reformation”, a term used to refer to Protestants and Anglicans, stating that in these denominations the wound is even "more profound”. It states:
Despite the fact that this teaching has created no little distress ... it is nevertheless difficult to see how the title of "Church" could possibly be attributed to them.
Is the Vatican therefore now withdrawing from its endeavours to seek unity with the rest of the Christian world? How should this document and the statements contained therein be construed by those who seek fellowship with the Catholic Church?
Topic:
Blessings Amidst Blunders... Catholic-Protestant Relations
Resident Instructor:
Revd Dr Jojo Fung
Invited Speaker:
Sherman Kuek
Venue:
Sacred Heart Cathedral,
Taman Sri Tebrau,
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Date/Time:
01 April (Tuesday) @ 8 pm]]>
The Day After: Stunning Performancetag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7012008-03-09T06:32:37Z2008-03-09T06:41:55ZThe following is a brief analysis from Fr Jojo M. Fung, SJ: The political tsunami has hit and hit hard, with Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Selangor and Penang delivered to the oppositions by Malaysians who believe in a multiparty democracy where...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
The following is a brief analysis from Fr Jojo M. Fung, SJ:
The political tsunami has hit and hit hard, with Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Selangor and Penang delivered to the oppositions by Malaysians who believe in a multiparty democracy where there is check and balance, leaving the incumbents defeated and dazed. All deserved what they sowed or not sowed. Malaysians have come of age in being more political astute and critical. The struggle for a pro-people democracy is worth it, and the struggle for greater democratic space and a violent-free society for ALL who live in Malaysia, migrants, refugees and citizens must continue in the next four years.
May all who love this nation be inspired by the words of the Asian Bishops: Instrumentum Laboris, no. 51 (Working Document before the 1999 Special Synod of Asia Bishops in Rome). The Asian bishops exhort:
The Church’s contribution to human promotion includes vocally denouncing injustices, supporting victims in their just causes, caring for the marginalized and suffering, joining together with all persons of good will who seek to build a more just and humane society, engaging in the analysis of the given situation in order to arrive at the root causes of poverty and injustice, and faith reflection on pastoral action...
In Asian countries, the Church has been active in pro-democracy movements aimed at establishing participatory democracies and humane government, in monitoring elections, in working for legislation against graft and corruption, in efforts at reconciliation after communal clashes, and in establishing peace in regions torn by civil war.
While the Church in Asia strives to oppose forces which threaten the unity and well-being of the individual, she also works to encourage people to form a better society.
]]>
Worst Electoral Defeattag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.7002008-03-08T22:41:33Z2008-03-08T22:41:56ZKUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's ruling coalition on Saturday suffered its biggest electoral upset ever, losing control of four state governments and failing to win the crucial two-thirds majority in parliament. It is Barisan Nasional (BN)'s worst performance in a general...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
here to read more.]]>
Policy Factsheetstag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.6952008-03-06T16:09:36Z2008-03-08T22:39:41ZHere's something of crucial consideration for the upcoming elections. The Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) has released three Policy Factsheets with relevant statistics and facts pertaining to various vital issues in aid of the rakyat's decision-making endeavour for the...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
CPPS) has released three Policy Factsheets with relevant statistics and facts pertaining to various vital issues in aid of the rakyat's decision-making endeavour for the coming elections.
If you're a registered voter and desire to exercise a responsible say as to whom should be governing your nation, please have a look at the documents found here.]]>
Team Expansiontag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.6922008-02-23T05:03:11Z2008-02-25T16:55:55ZThe first gathering of the RoH Malaysia Team went well! As always, we began with a crazily sumptuous meal whipped up by Veron! And once our tummies were satisfied and our tongues burning with the heavily spiced prawn sambal, we...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
sambal, we were ready to begin serious discussions.
One of the concerns of RoH Malaysia has always been that our team should reflect a balance in its gender configuration, its expertise in theological and social-scientific knowledge, its involvement in intellectual reflection and practical activism, as well as its faith representations between Protestant and Catholic Christians.
As a result, there has been a need to undertake a slight expansion in our team in order to preserve the intended balance in our configuration.
To this end, we're very happy to welcome Alwyn onto our the RoH Malaysia Team! Alwyn is no new face to us. For some, he's quite an old friend. Here's the biography of Alwyn that has been added onto our People page:
Alwyn Lau
BScHons Economics (University of London, UK);
BD Hons (University of London, UK);
MBA cand. (Universitas 21 Global).
Alwyn is a Researcher and Teacher at Fairview International School. Being an astute theological thinker, he is interested in theological methods, emerging theologies, as well as the relevance of the Christian faith to the emerging generation. Alwyn is also concerned about issues pertaining to education. He is presently studying for a Master of Business Administration degree. He blogs on www.alwynlau.blogdrive.com.
More updates to come!]]>
First RoH Meeting (2008)tag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.6882008-02-21T23:12:51Z2008-02-21T23:17:14ZGreetings! For many of our Chinese friends in Malaysia and beyond, the Chinese New Year has just been concluded with the 15th day being celebrated yesterday. So it's time to move on with the rest of the year now! Even...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
Greetings!
For many of our Chinese friends in Malaysia and beyond, the Chinese New Year has just been concluded with the 15th day being celebrated yesterday. So it's time to move on with the rest of the year now! Even for we at RoH Malaysia.
The very first gathering of the RoH Team for this year will be taking place today at 7 pm in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Many issues, plans, and intentions will be discussed at this meeting.
We will keep you updated on the results of our prayers and discussions. For that, please visit this blog regularly. Meanwhile, please pray for the Spirit of God to guide our hearts and minds as we deliberate on these issues.
Keep journeying with us as we labour together with you in a spirit of unity and solidarity.
Blessings to you and to those you love!
CFM's Statement on Biblestag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.6822008-02-06T10:23:03Z2008-02-06T10:26:12ZCHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA) Address: No. 10, Jalan 11/9, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457 Email: cchurchm@streamyx.com PRESS STATEMENT Hands Off our Bibles The Christian...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
Address:
No. 10, Jalan 11/9, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone:
(03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email:
cchurchm@streamyx.com
PRESS STATEMENTHands Off our Bibles
The Christian Federation of Malaysia registers its protest in the strongest terms, at the action of a Custom Officer at LCCT, who confiscated 32 English Bibles belonging to a Christian, who was bringing it from Manila for use in her church.
The reason given by the Custom Officer is that since it is the Bible, it needs to be cleared by the Internal Security Ministrys Control Division of Publications and Al-Quran Texts.
Since when has English Bibles become a “security issue” in our country?
Why is it, the said Control Division is amassing such rights to itself that allow Muslim civil bureaucrats to decide for Christians what religious material they can read, or bring into the country?
We have received many complaints from Christians being told to hand over religious books to custom officers at various checkpoints in the country. Now they even want our Bibles!
The Bible is our holy and sacred book. We will not comply with any directive from government or its agencies that infringe on our right to use our sacred book and other Christian literature.
We appreciate that the Deputy Minister of Internal Security, YB Dato Fu Ah Kiow has taken action to have the Bibles returned to the person concerned, explaining that the Customs officer had no such authority to seize the Bibles.
But in view of the fact that this is not an isolated case, we call upon YB Dato Fu to come up with a directive restraining all government agencies from future harassment especially by the internal security enforcement officers.
In the run-up to the National Elections, it is important for the churches to be convinced that the policy of the Barisan Nasional guarantees religious freedom and would not tolerate any actions that undermine the religious rights of all citizens of Malaysia.
(signed)
Bishop Dr. Paul Tan Chee Ing., SJ
Chairman, Executive Committee
Christian Federation of Malaysia
5th February 2008]]>
Happy Februarytag:www.shermankuek.net,2008:/RoHMalaysia//3.6782008-02-01T01:02:48Z2008-02-01T01:05:04ZA very happy early February to you! And for those of you who'll be celebrating the Chinese New Year next week, here's wishing you a very Happy New Year! This month promises to be an exciting month in charting further...SKwww.ShermanKuek.net
A very happy early February to you! And for those of you who'll be celebrating the Chinese New Year next week, here's wishing you a very Happy New Year!
This month promises to be an exciting month in charting further milestones in RoH Malaysia. Our team will be holding our first gathering for the year at the end of the month, and we'll be discussing some crucial issues pertaining to the direction of this effort.
We'll keep you updated in due time. Meanwhile, please pray with us!
Many Christians seem almost entirely unsure about the role of the Church in the political arena.
Some Christians, on the one hand, seem to relegate the role of political partisanship to the Church, as if it was the responsibility of the Church to sway people either towards or away from particular political inclinations and parties.
Some other Christians, on the other hand, seem to think there is no role at all for the Church in politics and that she should maintain a posture of absolute silence on anything within the domain of the secular state.
One must remember, the ultimate concerns of the Church of Jesus Christ are not of this world although they find their temporal embodiment in the present circumstances of this world. The Church, beyond elections, democracy and government (all of which are legitimate mechanisms for the regulation of the temporal world), finds her prophetic calling in the upholding of peace and justice in the world, for these deal with the higher and eternal values of the Christ who established His Church in the world.
Elections, democracy and government are therefore – in the eyes of the Church – nothing more (and nothing less) than instruments for the promotion of peace and justice. She of herself is to be a non-partisan, non-political entity.
The Church’s task as the visible Kingdom of God in the world is to articulate and proclaim its concern for justice and peace, and to strive towards upholding it. This task at times involves the expression of support for specific causes that coincidentally favour particular political positions and organisations; but these are merely coincidental, for the Church’s other articulations of peace and justice may very well coincidentally condemn the causes of those very same political positions and organisations her previous articulations seemed to endorse.
It is therefore not the particularities of any one political entity’s positions the Church seeks to endorse or illegitimise, but rather, the causes and values for which these particularities stand. Christians should therefore make no mistake about it. If the Church’s expression of support seems to endorse the cause of any political entity, it is entirely coincidental. Likewise, if her expression of condemnation impinges upon the cause of any political entity, it is also not the political entity itself, but rather, the cause she seeks to condemn.
Therefore, the position of the Church is neither one of utter indifference nor political partisanship. Her position is one of justice and peace, this being a position that coincidentally presents profound implications for the express stances of political entities.
Having understood that, the individual Christian is then called to vote for the cause of justice and peace, and not in accordance with the law of partisanship. The Church together with her leadership are also to refrain from telling people, “Vote for…” or “Do not vote for…”; this is not her calling. Her calling is to execute and sustain the consciousness of people in matters of justice and peace, to be the righteous voice of Christ in a partisan political world.
Of Himself, Christ is neither government nor opposition, Labour nor Conservative, Democratic nor Republican. Christ is Christ.]]>
