‘Don’t be cowed by false allegations’
In his Christmas message, head of the Malacca and Johor diocese Bishop Paul Tan urges Christians not to be discouraged or intimidated by false allegations.
(Free Malaysia Today) – In his Christmas message, head of the Malacca and Johor diocese Bishop Paul Tan has urged Christians not to be discouraged or intimidated by false allegations.
The oustpoken Catholic leader also stressed that every person has the right to propose what he or she believes in but has no right to impose it on others.
“In spite of the false accusations by certain quarters and in the face of a spate of allegations without proof, for example, the accusation to make Malaysia Christian and the Damansara Utama Methodist Centre’s charity party to convert Muslims, etc, we should not be cowed to stop proclaiming Jesus Christ as God’s love made manifest to us humans.
“Besides, it is a command directly from Jesus Christ himself before he ascended into Heaven: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. (Mt 28:19),” he said.
Tan said that while freedom and truth are interlinked, freedom without regard to the truth, however, is gross irresponsibility and cannot be considered as true freedom.
“The Truth of Jesus Christ gives us the freedom to, in the words of Pope Benedict XVI, ‘speak out, humbly yet insistently, in defence of moral truth’ – of justice, of equality before God, of human dignity, etc. In short and in other words, we have to stand up for human rights,” he added.
Tan also encouraged those celebrating Christmas to continue the “excellent tradition” in Malaysia of holding open houses.
“The Bible constantly reminds us to be open and hospitable to all who come our way, especially to strangers and the less fortunate.
“Is there anything objectionable in giving to anyone the love of God? If there is someone who objects to receiving God’s love, he or she must be insane,” he said.
Below is the full text of Bishop Tan’s Christmas message:
Christmas is a time of peace and joy at the good news brought to us by the angels: the Saviour of the world is born. We should not be ashamed to announce this, as our Pope Benedict XVI told the 20 bishops of New York gathered in Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Nov 26, 2011 (published in Herald on the Dec 4, 2011 issue, page 9.) Sharing with all peoples the infinite saving love of God in Jesus Christ which brings peace and joy is indeed very good news.
This is the spirit of Christmas. Here, in Malaysia, the excellent tradition of “Open house” should be used by us to share our love of God that brings joy and peace to all who are open to receive Him.
Besides, the Bible constantly reminds us to be open and hospitable to all who come our way, especially to strangers and the less fortunate. Is there anything objectionable in giving to anyone the love of God? If there is someone who objects to receiving God’s love, he or she must be insane.
