Bishop of Penang: Great enthusiasm for Easter, faith flourishes in dialogue with Muslims
Bishop Sebastian Francis is a protagonist of interreligious dialogue in the country. At the Great Easter Vigil 250 people will be baptized in his diocese. Many confirmations and an increase of people come to confession. "I have spoken with Muslims of the Year of Mercy, which is a very dear concept to them." The next steps to take with the Islamic community and the challenges that remain.
Penang (AsiaNews) - The diocese of Penang is preparing for Easter "with great interest and enthusiasm. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy people are eager to respond to the appeal of the Holy Father, in experiencing and receiving the mercy of Jesus Christ", says Msgr. Sebastian Francis.
The federal state of Penang is located 360 km north of Kuala Lumpur, close to the border with Thailand. The diocese, much wider than the borders of the state, has 66 thousand Catholics out of about 6 million inhabitants. On March 1, the bishop was involved in a historic meeting with the local mufti Datuk Dr Wan Salim Mohd Noor, opening the way for a new season of dialogue between Christians and Muslims: "It was much more than a friendly meeting" . Below the full interview with the bishop.
Your Grace, how is the diocese preparing for Easter during the Lenten season?
In general, since Lent is within the Jubilee Year of Mercy, there is an interest and excitement generated by people to respond to the call of the Holy Father especially in experiencing and receiving God’s mercy through Jesus Christ and to share it with others.
We are blessed because we have 250 people who are members of the Elect among those preparing for the Sacrament of Initiation and many other adults who will also receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Easter Night, which is even more meaningful and special.
There are 3 designated Churches with the Holy Door of Mercy in the Diocese of Penang and many are making their pilgrimage. With this, it is noted that there is an increase of people going to the sacrament of reconciliation and making a good confession.
To mark this Jubilee Year, we have also invited priests from the neighbouring countries to minister to the large number of migrants present in the Diocese of Penang and who are Catholics.
What can you tell us about your meeting with the mufti?
What was supposed to be a friendly encounter and first attempt to meet the Mufti of the State of Penang that was initiated by the political leaders from the Islamic party, turned out to be more than a friendly encounter and meaningful exchange of concerns especially between Muslims and Christians. Also the need for bridge builders in both communities and a word of encouragement to NGOs, social activists and political parties where there are emerging leaders.
The Mufti included members of his staff together with experts on Shariah Law to this meeting. Thus, what were discussed were points of convergence and essential differences between the two faiths. However, there was a sense of mutual respect felt due to honesty and transparency that was noticeable. We must embrace our common roots as children of the one Father Abraham.
Furthermore, I took the opportunity to share with them the Jubilee Year of Mercy, a concept that is very dear to Muslims.
What are the next steps to boost such dialogue?
Both parties expressed the need to meet from time to time to create a forum for ongoing consultation and dialogue. There was a suggestion that next invitation should come from the Catholic party.
There is a lot of discussion in Malaysia over the law on "unilateral conversions" and the fact that the children of mixed couples are registered as Muslims, and in fact only entrusted to the Islamic spouse. What is the Church's position on this?
Unilateral conversion of minor children whose parents are civilly married and when one party decided to convert to Islam along with children without the consent of the other spouse [in the case of separating the children are entrusted to the Muslim spouse ed]..
The Catholic Church together with the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) and Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) work very closely and have made several strong stand against the sole custody of children given to the Muslim Convert (spouse). In all cases, it turned out that it is the father in the unilateral conversion of children who are minors who does not get the consent of the other spouse who is not converted.
The Cabinet has given assurance for all people that they will look into this matter. Furthermore, we, the above parties that include the NGOs and some political parties have a strong sense against unilateral conversion and would insist that the above matter be settled on humanitarian and constitutional grounds.
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10/07/2023 12:21
