Rt Revd Danald Jute
KUCHING: The Anglican Church will begin its year-long programme of events to commemorate its 170th anniversary in Borneo this weekend.
Themed ‘Reaching Forward’ from Philippians 3:13-14, the events celebrate the Rev Dr Francis Thomas McDougall’s arrival in Sarawak on June 29, 1848 to lead the Borneo Church Mission Institution.
“But this isn’t just about Francis McDougall. It is also about his wife Harriette and the countless other missionaries who came over the years and gave their lives for the cause of the Gospel. Yet, again, it isn’t just about the Gospel, for the Anglican Church in Borneo has impacted every sphere of our lives.
“Throughout her history, the Church has been instrumental in the fields of education and healthcare. Many of our political, business, corporate, and civil leaders, past and present, went through mission schools, both primary and secondary,” said Rt Revd Danald Jute, Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, which is known as the Diocese of Kuching, in a press release yesterday.
“This celebration is more than a time of pure nostalgia, of looking back to the past 170 years. Rather we want this anniversary to be a starting point for the future, both on an individual basis and as a church, as we seek to
continue playing our role in the life of our people and nation. As a Church, it is our intention to continue to be a blessing to our nation, to bring about a culture of love and respect, where justice and peace is the order of the day.”
Tomorrow (June 9), there will be the forum ‘The Diocese of Kuching – Past, Present and Future’ at Pullman Kuching from 9am to 1pm, where 1,000 delegates are expected.
The speakers will be Danald, Rt Revd Bolly Lapok, Rt Revd Aeries Sumping Jingan, Revd Andrew Shie, Revd Ivor Lim, and Heidi Munan.
There will also be a photographic exhibition highlighting the Anglican Church’s past, present, and future, which will travel to all parishes in the diocese this year.
Also on Saturday, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, there will be a Celebration Night at St Thomas’ Cathedral, Jalan McDougall with the programme including a musical drama.
A Thanksgiving Service will be held at the Cathedral on Sunday (June 10) at 4pm.
The Solemn Liturgy will begin with the Institution, Induction, Collation, and Installation of new Archdeacons – Revd Stanley Bunseng and Revd Jose Jol, as well as Canons – Revd Dennis Gimang, Revd Roannie Cannidy, and Revd Andrew Shie.
The year-long celebration will culminate with the celebration of the 170th anniversary of the Bishop’s House in 2019.