ASIA/MALAYSIA - The Church is preparing for the consecration of the new Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) - In the church of the Holy Family in Kuala Lumpur, the Episcopal ordination of Mgr. Julian Leow, the new Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur will be held on October 6. As reported to Fides by the local Church, 10 thousand people are expected, who will fill the square in front of the church, and there will also be the presence of ten Malaysian Bishops. The committee involved in the preparation of the event is very active and has also invited Muslim religious leaders and civil officials.
In a note sent to Fides, Bishop-elect Leow emphasizes he wants to live a ministry characterized by "witnessing Christ, proclaiming the Good News to everyone, working so that everyone can live in harmony and peace", in the hope that "ethnic, religious and cultural diversity is the cornerstone of our unity". Msg. Leow agrees with the recent message of the "Christian Federation of Malaysia", which brings together all the different Christian components of the nation, pointing out that "ethnic and religious extremism, made of sectarian and fanatical forces, often fueled by misinformation, tears apart the social fabric of the nation, built on the principles of moderation and multi-culturalism". "If we want to survive as a united nation, if we want to keep alive a common hope for the future - says the text - we all have to resist and oppose these destructive forces". The key word is "hope", which means "to promote authentic dialogue, in humility and mutual respect".
For this reason, says the text sent to Fides, "we call on all Malaysians, so that they commit themselves to saving Malaysia from the forces of fanaticism and racial bias" and to build "a tolerant and attentive society, where everyone can fully enjoy life and freedom, the protection of rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms".(PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/09/2014)