A Celebration of God’s Goodness, A Dedication to Christ’s Cause
Archbishop Bolly Lapok, Primate of the Province of South East Asia, in his sermon recognised that the role of the bishop in Singapore is a complex one. However at the heart, a bishop is called to be the shepherd of Christ’s flock and the steward of God’s household (John 21:15-17).
The Bishop-designate knocked three times on the closed doors of the Cathedral at the beginning of his installation service. When the doors were opened so did the skies above as showers of blessing rained down.
Comment by:
Bishop Albert Vun of Sabah
I am very excited as we have been close friends for many years. I know him to be Godly with a deep spiritual life. He will bring a freshness to the Provincial leadership and the Diocese of Singapore for I see every new change as a renewal, a great responsibility and the potential for growth.
The Installation and Investiture was witnessed by His Excellency, Dr Tony Tan, President of Singapore, his wife, Mr Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister of State for Education and Information, Communication and the Arts, MP Mr Christopher de Souza and his wife, and two former politicians Dr Seet Ai Mee and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.
The Service culminated in a Garden party on the West and South Lawns of the Cathedral.
Churches’ role appreciated - newspaper reports on the consecration of the new Bishop of Sabah
Earlier, more than 1,000 parishioners, friends and
well-wishers from all over Sabah braved the rain to converge on the All Saints’
Cathedral to witness the historical consecration and installation of The
Reverend Canon Albert Vun Cheong Fui, 50. The nearby Parish Hall and Glory Hall
were also packed to capacity.
The three-hour service began at 3pm. As the church bell
chimed, the traditional procession of about 50 visiting bishops and
archbishops, overseas and local clergies, canons, archdeacons and deans to the
cathedral from Wisma Anglican had to be done by moving in vans and a tourist
coach because of the rain.
The State Government appreciates the contributions by
Christians and other religious organisations towards maintaining peace and
harmony. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman said this effort is important,
especially in a society that is as ethnically diverse as Malaysia’s and
Sabah’s, in particular
The text of his speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister,
Datuk Edward Khoo. Some 1,200 people attended the function held at the Putera
Theatre Ballroom.
My comments:-
What
conclusion would you draw from here?
Would rain
be a blessing and not tears of God?
So would the
heaviest rain be most blessings when some people have to travel in vans (travel
in vain to come to the Installation) for walking spaces?
Both have
sort of VVIPS to attend the functions when the humble one ended in the garden
party while another ended in 3 star restaurant where the CM would not likely go.
Go on to
reflect as what is happening in ADOS and HOBs today…
Just for the record - MAD
ReplyDeleteBishop Albert Vun of Sabah Malaysia Diocese visited Mauritius with a Mission Team at the invitation of Archbishop the Most Revd Ian Ernest and met the Clergy at the Training Center in Curepipe . He visited Mauritius 10 years ago while he was Archdeacon of Sabah.
MAUEN 120421-1 April 21, 2012
Bishop Albert Vun preached at the Evangelism IMAD I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE... event held at St Paul's Church Plaine Verte with Rev Eric Mafat, Priest in Charge on Friday 20 Apr 2012 .. both the Immanuel and the Maranatha Halls were crowded with people desiring to hear the Good News of salvation . Bishop Vun visited Mauritius 10 yrs ago and and helped launch the Cell Church at St Paul's Church when Bishop Roger Jaomalaza was Rector of the Parish.
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/provincialnews/mauen/client/news/client_news_index.cfm?&isPrintable=1
A Celebration of God’s Goodness, A Dedication to Christ’s Cause
ReplyDelete24. October 2012
News, Parish, Diocesan Boards & Ministries, Province, Communion
‘A Celebration of God’s Goodness, A Dedication to Christ’s Cause is the theme of the Installation and Investiture of the Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah as the 9th Bishop of Singapore. And what a celebration of the Lord by His people it was on 20 October 2012 at St Andrew’s Cathedral.
At 4.25 pm the bells of the Cathedral pealed to call the 2,500 worshippers to prepare their hearts and minds to worship God. The 200-strong grand procession comprising choir members, wardens, Provincial and Diocesan Chancellors and Registrars, local and overseas clergy, bishops and archbishops processed in declaring in unity that ‘Jesus shall reign whene’er the sun does his successive journeys run…’
Amidst the traditional setting of the Cathedral, there was still a sense of an intimate family gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ. In the congregation were 30 of Bishop Ponniah’s family, members from the 27 parishes, Anglican schools and community services, mission partners, the six deaneries, bishops and clergy from the Province of South East Asia and archbishops from the Global South Communion. It was the Church united to celebrate God’s blessings on the Diocese of Singapore.
Archbishop Bolly Lapok, Primate of the Province of South East Asia, in his sermon recognised that the role of the bishop in Singapore is a complex one. However at the heart, a bishop is called to be the shepherd of Christ’s flock and the steward of God’s household (John 21:15-17).
The Bishop-designate knocked three times on the closed doors of the Cathedral at the beginning of his installation service. When the doors were opened so did the skies above as showers of blessing rained down.
After he was presented to the congregation, two of Bishop Ponniah’s family members sang a song written for the occasion, ‘Not my will but yours.’ These are words he echoed in his Thanksgiving message. Bishop Ponniah recognised that what he has been entrusted with is humanly impossible except with strength and wisdom from Christ. The cup of self-sacrificial service is not his to drink alone but for the whole church. He harkened to two Anglican martyrs Latimer and Ridley and acknowledged that through light from God that is His grace, we will be able to give of ourselves.
The Installation and Investiture was witnessed by His Excellency, Dr Tony Tan, President of Singapore, his wife, Mr Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister of State for Education and Information, Communication and the Arts, MP Mr Christopher de Souza and his wife, and two former politicians Dr Seet Ai Mee and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua. There were also heads of other denominations present such as the Catholic Archbishop Nicolas Chia, the newly elected bishop Rt Revd Dr Wee Boon Hup from the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Moderator Revd Dr Steven Gan.
The Service culminated in a Garden party on the West and South Lawns of the Cathedral.
Comments from some of the witnesses
Archbishop Ben Kwashi of Nigeria
I have known Bishop Rennis for more than 16 years. He is a wonderful person; loving, kind-hearted and full of wisdom. He is passionate about the Gospel and has a winsome way of presenting the Gospel, that is an asset.
Bishop Albert Vun of Sabah
I am very excited as we have been close friends for many years. I know him to be Godly with a deep spiritual life. He will bring a freshness to the Provincial leadership and the Diocese of Singapore for I see every new change as a renewal, a great responsibility and the potential for growth.
http://www.anglican.org.sg/index.php/blog/comments/a_celebration_of_gods_goodness_a_dedication_to_christs_cause
ReplyDeleteA Celebration of God’s Goodness, A Dedication to Christ’s Cause
24. October 2012
Bishop Albert Vun of Sabah
I am very excited as we have been close friends for many years. I know him to be Godly with a deep spiritual life. He will bring a freshness to the Provincial leadership and the Diocese of Singapore for I s
Email to Bishop Rennis and Bishop John Chew --
ReplyDeletehttp://www.anglican.org.sg/index.php/blog/comments/a_celebration_of_gods_goodness_a_dedication_to_christs_cause
A Celebration of God’s Goodness, A Dedication to Christ’s Cause
24. October 2012
Bishop Albert Vun of Sabah
I am very excited as we have been close friends for many years. I know him to be Godly with a deep spiritual life. He will bring a freshness to the Provincial leadership and the Diocese of Singapore for I see every new change as a renewal, a great responsibility and the potential for growth.
<><><>
Dear Rt Rev Rennis Ponniah,
As a Bishop and a Judge in the current Appeal by 10 members of ADOS
over the decision of HOBs of 18th September, 2012, and with such kind of
comment from Bishop A Vun, it is only appropriate that you recuse
yourself in this case due to meet on 28th November, 2012 in Kuching.
You were not present on 7th and 8th November, and when the case is so urgent
the delay is unjustified.
I am writing to you for a burden that had been dragged on for far too long.
I had written to Bishop John Chew over the scenario of Rangsit Anglican Outreach
Center both claimed by the Singapore Diocese and Sabah Diocese but no reply.
I trust BISHOPGATE would be resolved as soon as possible with win-win-win
developments for the Anglican churches to move on.
Yours truly,
Joshua Y. C. Kong
---------- Forwarded message ----------
ReplyDeleteFrom: Joshua Kong
Date: Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 10:36 AM
Subject: Message to Bishop Rennis Ponniah on AVCF
To: admin@anglican.org.sg
VERY URGENT/CONFIDENTIAL
Dear The Right Revd Rennis Ponniah,
House of Bishops Meeting on 28th November, 2012
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ from Sabah
I am writing to you Bishop about the meeting of the House of Bishops in Kuching
tomorrow.
The matter to be decided is very important for the Global Anglican Communion.
I hope you would do your duty accordingly and do not consider personal
friendship in this BISHOPGATE crisis in Sabah's Anglican Diocese of Sabah.
I do not intend to mention the rumour I hear in this email.
Nevertheless, I am prepared to lodge an official complaint to the Singapore
Government especially to Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
I trust this is in order,
Yours truly,
Joshua Y. C. Kong
OPEN complaint from Joshua Y. C. Kong, P. O. Box 11923, 88821 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 012-8380897
ReplyDeleteThe Prime Minister of Singapore; 2nd December, 2012
Ex Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and
the President of Singapore Mr Tony Tan.
Dear Sirs,
Re: Anglican Bishop of Singapore Rennis Ponniah over a grievous dispute in Province of Anglican Church in South East Asia.
I am a member and beneficiary of the Anglican Diocese of Sabah (ADOS) and ADOS part of the Province of Anglican Church in South East Asia.(APSEA). Diocese of Kuching, ADOS, Diocese of Singapore and Diocese of West Malaysia make up the APSEA.
2. The present Archbishop of APSEA is the Bishop of Kuching Bishop Bolly Lapok as head of the House of Bishops (HOB) in APSEA and the other bishops are Bishop of Sabah Albert Vun Cheong Fui (BAV) , Bishop Rennis Ponniah (BRP), and Bishop Ng Moon Hing.
3. Recently there was a complaint of 5 persons from ADOS against BAV to the HOB of APSEA and a Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) was instituted by the HOB and found BAV as guilty in 38 out of 40 issues in a confidential report issued on 18th September, 2012. But the decision of the HOB on BAV of 18th September, 2012 was not in accordance to the Provincial Constitution.
4. I believe the said decision was a compromised item for various reasons including allegations of some “love” gifts to some members of the HOB. The doubt has arisen following the installation of BRP as Bishop of Singapore on 20th October, 2012 where BAV posted in the Diocese of Singapore’s homepage stating that “BRP was a closed friend for many years”. The URL is
http://www.anglican.org.sg/index.php/blog/comments/a_celebration_of_gods_goodness_a_dedication_to_christs_cause
5. Following the PAC’s report to the HOB at the end of August, 2012 and the meeting of the HOB in Singapore on 11th September, 2012 as per photograph.in
http://www.anglicansabah.org/2010.1/Mission%20Trips%202012/HOBishop%20Changi%202012.jpg., BRP was one of the three Bishops sitting as Judges in the decision as declared on 18th September, 2012.
6. Then it was decided that an appeal from the aggrieved members of ADOS with a petition of over 1,000 signatures was submitted to the HOB on 7th and 8th November, 2012 in Kuching by 10 delegates but BRP was absent. The delayed decision was that BRP would only be available in Kuching for the HOB’s meeting on 28th November, 2012. At the time of writing, no fresh decision was forthcoming
7. The important question now is that BRP as a closed friend of BAV had been acting as a Judge in this very important BISHOPGATE in Sabah – a great shame and sham in Sabah - and that BRP had shown no urgency to resolve this crisis in Sabah.
8. I trust you would deal with the said Bishop of Singapore as ‘entangled’ in BISHOPGATE. If BRP is found to be failing in his duty as a Judge and not recuse himself, then appropriate action should be taken to restore the good image of Singapore in the context of justice, transparency, and public accountability.
Yours faithfully,
Joshua Y. C. Kong
PS: Please visit : http://allsaintscathedralsabah.blogspot.com/
http://bishopgateinanglicansabah.blogspot.com/; https://thetruthasc.wordpress.com/
[all sent by emails -lee_hsien_loong@pmo.gov.sg
anthony_tan@pmo.gov.sg
istana_feedback@istana.gov.sg
thetruthasc,
ReplyDeletehttp://thetruthasc.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/story-of-a-mousetrap/
mousetrap for whom and by whom?
what a co-incidence?
for both AVCF and BRP?
Quote: "Bishop Albert Vun of Sabah
ReplyDeleteI am very excited as we have been close friends for many years."
How close can two men be when Singapore and Sabah are separated by the South China Seas and thousands of Miles unless they had been meeting each other very regularly in many years?
Or they had been doing assignments together for years?
Or they had been on the phones for hours on end for both official and personal matters?
Such close friends at different places, time, locations, scenarios, physically gap if really close would mean a lot of costs had been incurred by both Dioceses at the expense of the members contribution???
Were they flying to see each other so often that they become close friends for years?
Were they studying in the bible schools together and as close friends? How many years were they together for that purpose?
Close and many years need to be defined by AVCF and Rennis to set the matter clear or it is definitely to be misconstrued...
So the mousetrap is catching AVCF...or bring Rennis with AVCF...
Lets see how God deal with them now..
AVCF - does 'close' mean anything like this?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20642428
7 December 2012 Last updated at 17:26 GMT
Gay marriage: David Cameron backs church role
David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.
He said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force any groups to hold ceremonies in their places of worship.
Ministers will reveal their response to a consultation next week. MPs will be given a free vote on the issue.
The Church of England said it would study the proposals but was firmly against same-sex marriage.
In a statement, the Church said: "We believe that redefining marriage to include same-sex relationships will entail a dilution in the meaning of marriage for everyone by excluding the fundamental complementarity of men and women from the social and legal definition of marriage.
"Given the absence of any manifesto commitment for these proposals - and the absence of any commitment in the most recent Queen's Speech - there will need to be an overwhelming mandate from the consultation to move forward with these proposals and make them a legislative priority."
The Church said its stance was not a "knee-jerk resistance to change", but was "motivated by a concern for the good of all in society".
Mr Cameron's proposals have also angered some Tory MPs who have opposed the change in the law.
Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, warned there will be "outrage throughout the country" and a "clear backlash" against David Cameron's proposals.
'Arrogant Cameron'
He told BBC News: "Marriage is between one man and one woman and so changes to the definition of marriage are not appreciated and not strongly supported."
He said he was against teachers "being forced to say same sex relationships are the equivalent of heterosexual relationships" - something he said would happen if the move become law.
Labour and the Lib Dems have yet to decide whether to join the Conservatives in granting their MPs a free vote on the issue, although the majority of MPs in the three parties are thought likely to back it.
But Mr Blackman predicted the legislation could face "an interesting challenge" in the House of Lords.
Conservative MP Stewart Jackson tweeted that the Bill would be "massacred in the Lords", adding, in a swipe at the prime minister: "Arrogant Cameron knows best."
Mr Cameron said: "I'm a massive supporter of marriage and I don't want gay people to be excluded from a great institution.
(part 1 of 2)
part 2 of 2
ReplyDelete"But let me be absolutely 100% clear: if there is any church or any synagogue or any mosque that doesn't want to have a gay marriage it will not, absolutely must not, be forced to hold it.
"That is absolutely clear in the legislation.
"Also let me make clear, this is a free vote for Members of Parliament, but personally I will be supporting it."
'Religious freedom'
The government's initial consultation document said it would not be possible for a same-sex couple to get married in church and other religious premises.
Under the new proposals, due to be outlined next week by Equalities Minister Maria Miller, religious organisations which do not want to host same-sex weddings will be given an absolute guarantee they will not be forced to do so.
But Whitehall sources say the best way to make the guarantee "water-tight" is to allow religions to opt in to hosting same-sex ceremonies if they want to.
Labour leader Ed Miliband and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg also support gay marriage in church.
Mr Clegg said: "It's very important to remember that in our plans we're not going to force any church or any religious denomination to hold same-sex marriage ceremonies if they don't want to but I do think it's time that we allow any couple, no matter who they are, to marry if that's what they want to do."
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "I hope David Cameron will not be deterred by opposition within his own party and beyond.
"We need the government to move forward with an early debate in Parliament so the issue doesn't stall."
The Church of England and Roman Catholics, among other denominations, have voiced opposition to same-sex marriage.
But some religious groups, including Quakers, Unitarians and Liberal Judaism, are in favour of gay marriage and are thought likely to apply to be allowed to stage ceremonies.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: "For Quakers, this is an issue of religious freedom and we don't seek to impose this on others."
'Deeply disappointing'
Benjamin Cohen, of Out4Marriage, which backs same-sex weddings, said he was "delighted" by Mr Cameron's announcement.
"Legislation must give individual religious organisations the freedom to decide for themselves whether to hold same-sex marriages.
"None should be forced to, but those that wish to must be given the rights to do so."
Colin Hart, campaign director for the Coalition For Marriage, which opposes same-sex marriage, said: "The decision to press ahead with the profoundly undemocratic proposals to rewrite the traditional meaning of marriage is deeply disappointing and regrettable.
"What is even more alarming is the PM has gone back on his promises that churches will be protected.
"The suggestion that by creating an 'opt-in system' you somehow prevent churches, mosques and synagogues being sued is risible. This is now made much more likely."
who is MY in the truthasc blog?
ReplyDeletehttp://thetruthasc.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/what-was-pacs-recommendation/
December 9, 2012 - 11:30 am MY
I am an Anglican in another part of the world. While I have been following this blog, I do not presume to understand the intricacies of the situation. Neither do I presume to understand what is going through the minds of the of the House of Bishop at this time.
However, I do know Bishop Rennis and would like to vouch for his character and integrity. I can also say that he knows the “Power of God” with personal encounter and God is real to him. In fact, I have heard he deliberately takes personal retreats to listen to what God is saying. He is pastoral,kind and compassionate. On ocassions he has made difficult and unpopular decisions because he believed it is the right thing to do. Whatever part he played (or is playing) in the decision of the HOB will be as a result of his character and not for any vested agenda.
I can fully understand the frustration with the HOB from the long waiting period. However, I think that making assumptions about them or their character when we don’t know them is not fair or kind. Neither is it very productive, Blogmaster – some time ago, you pledged to use the blogsite to uphold and seek ‘the truth’. You also cautioned those writing not to get distracted from the true issues. I pray that you will have the courage and wisdom to remain true to that which you feel called to do,
Thank you for your work on this blog. Praying for you all during this crisis, and for God’s intervention and perfect timing.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
ReplyDeleteFrom: J Peace
Date: Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Subject: Re: Re:
To: Joshua Kong
Yes bird of same feather, hearsay that Archbishop is not that clean too very close with politicians in Swk. Easy say than done with this ungodly Bishop in ADOS.
How is your re-file? Be courageous and cooperate, team work and take good advice to work with other Anglicans.
Sent from my iPad
On Dec 22, 2012, at 22:03, Joshua Kong wrote:
> HOBs is finding a moral victory over his sheep protecting a known 'criminal' and I hope it is NOT the birds of the same feathers flock together.
>
> Seek God for an answer.
>
> On Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 9:58 PM, J Peace > wrote:
>
> What is your comment on Archbishop letter?
> Still protecting BAV?
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPad