CFM Christian Reception Welcome Address

Respected Metropolitan Joseph Mar Thoma of the Apostolic See of St Thomas, respected bishops, Ministers in the Government, Dato Sri Idris Jala and Datin, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup and Puan Sri, (Tan Sri Koh Soo Koon sends his greetings), members of parliament and state assemblies and the senate, Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim, Opposition leader in Parliament and his wife Datin, Heads and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the religious communities, distinguished guests, and friends, greetings I bid you on behalf of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, (Council of Churches in Malaysia, and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church).

I remember a time, growing up, where we were all religiously and racially blind. I recall a time, where we knew our roots but everyone was our friend, a time where we addressed all our elders as uncles and aunties, regardless of whether we were related to them, or simply just bumped into them on the street. It was a time, when most of our meals would be shared together at the house we were visiting without hesitation or bias. We used to call one another all kinds of names yet we were not hurt nor did we take offence. There was laughter, merry making, joy, fun, and we played all kinds of games. Everything was possible, because deeply rooted in our hearts was always a sense of pride that we were Malaysians. As Malaysians all festivals and celebrations were Malaysian celebrations. All holidays were Malaysian holidays. Come a celebration, crowds would throng all areas of festivities and action. We knew that there were only one people, the Malaysian people, in spite of the ethnicity that we were born into. Those are the memorable recollections of all true Malaysians. With all the ups and downs that the nation has been going through both politically and economically this past year, it is indeed spiritually uplifting to see that, that Malaysian spirit is still embedded within us. That we can all gather here today, together, putting our differences – racial, religious, or political, is truly a testament of the Malaysian spirit.

Today we gather once again in that spirit, to celebrate the Annual Christmas High-Tea, hosted by the Christian Federation of Malaysia, organized this year by The Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malaysia. As the President of the Council of Churches in Malaysia and a member of the Mar Thoma Church, it is indeed my joy and privilege to have this function hosted at our main church in Kuala Lumpur before the presence of the Head of Church, our Metropolitan who has agreed to grace this occasion with his presence, coming all the way from India despite his age, heavy commitment and frailty.

It is indeed a great honor for us to have in our midst today, the Malankara Mar Thoma Metropolitan, His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma, a well respected and esteemed leader known all over the world who served in various ecumenical movements significantly. His Lordship, has served as the President of the Kerala Council of Churches, President of the National Council of Churches in India and President of the Christian Conference of Asia. Metropolitan is a man of compassionate nature, full of goodwill and has aspirations of a better future for all. His concern and special interest in social development and humanitarian crisis have been appreciated by many. On behalf of the Christian Federation of Malaysia we want to express our gratitude and appreciation for the efforts taken to be with us.

Respected guests, it is wonderful to look at the crowd of people around us and see a mix and blend of all races and religions, coming together to celebrate this function as one. We are indeed disappointed that the Prime Minister could not be with us here today, but are just as happy to have with us his representative, Dato Sri Idris Jala, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. Dato Sri did however take time out of his busy schedule to honour the Mar Thoma Syrian Church by giving an audience to His Grace, The Most Rev Dr Joseph Mar Thoma on 23rd December at his official office.

The presence of Dato’ Sri Idris Jala and fellow Cabinet Ministers affirms strongly the support of the government. Today we see the urgency to implement changes for a better tomorrow for all his people and Dato Idris monitoring the KPI, I am sure all those desirous of serving the people and the nation will have to prove that they are committed to the cause. With the motto of “people first” will hopefully appeal for a changed perspective and expectation to accommodate all people as one. Thank you Dato Idris for honouring us with your presence with fellow Ministers to express support for Christians and all Malaysians.

I also would like to acknowledge the presence of Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife being here. His presence here clearly indicates that we can come together to work for our shared destiny transcending our political boundaries for the good of our nation. Thank you Dato Sri for being with us.

As Christians come together to share the joy of our Saviour Jesus Christ, we want to share our joy and love with outstretched arms in the spirit of Christmas with every Malaysian. The heavenly choir sang the song of peace and goodwill among all people. This song has become the testimony and way of life of the church in this beloved nation of ours. On this joyous occasion it is with great joy and honor that I bring the season’s greetings to all. We have come to celebrate a Christian celebration in the Malaysian spirit, and on behalf of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, I once again welcome all of you here. Thank you for being here and may this celebration continue as a way of life uniting all Malaysians for peace and goodwill among all people.

Thank you and may God bless you all.

Rev Dr Thomas Philips
President of CCM
25th December 2009