Condolences from WCC on the demise of Bishop Julius Paul

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia

Dear Brothers and Sisters

It was with shock that we received the news last week that the life of Bishop Julius Danaraj Paul was taken in a tragic boating accident on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala – so far away from his family and from his flock in Malaysia.

Since the day we received the news, our thoughts and prayers have been with Mrs Alice Paul, the entire Paul family and the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia.

There are few words that can offer solace to the family and to the church at a time such as this. Perhaps the only comfort is the love of God in Christ Jesus.

In the words of the Apostle Paul “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39).

The love of God in Christ Jesus surrounds Bishop Paul, even in death. The love of God in
Christ Jesus surrounds his family and his church, even as you mourn. Neither death, nor
distance, nor heart-ache, nor longing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. The presence of Christ in our midst is a constant reminder of God’s eternal love for each of us. This same love unites us in this world and the world to come.

Bishop Paul was a greatly respected church leader at home and abroad. His legacy as bishop, his commitment to the global church and his passion for social welfare will long be remembered.

Please know that you remain in our prayers.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary

5 December 2008