Malaysian Catholics and Lutherans come together to learn from each other

Celebrating the 500th year of the reformation of Luther, the Lutheran and the Catholic Church jointly organised a special seminar called From conflict to communion a Malaysian Christian response.

This half-day seminar was held at Loyola Hall, Church of St Francis Xavier on Sept 22. A mixed crowd of Catholics, Lutherans and other Christians attended. The focus was on the topic of Scripture and Tradition, one of the five imperatives of the document of Luther .

Deacon Sherman Quek of Malacca- Johore Diocese spoke for the Catholics. He delivered an inspiring and very informative sharing with bits of humour into it.

Participants were also asked to sit in groups for discussions to promote dialogue and acceptance of one another.

Later, there was a time for sharing by Aloysius Gan, a Catholic from Seremban and a lay leader from the Lutheran church.

A participant from the Lutheran Church shared that this seminar is very encouraging so she will continue to participate in events to promote ecumenism.

Jason Ho, a Catholic, felt it amazing to realise that all were seated together not realising that walls had divided them in history. Archbishop Julian Leow, Archbishop emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Bishop Aaron of Lutheran church and several pastors were also present at this seminar. Special thanks go to the organisers, Rev Sivin Kit a Lutheran pastor and all the helpers.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online