Building bridges at Segamat interfaith gathering

Oct 04, 2024

Richard Joseph SEGAMAT, Johor: On September 22, the Church of St Philip welcomed delegates from the Program Harmoni Madani - Lawatan Mesra RISI Daerah Segamat, a project organised by the Segamat District Office of the Department of National Unity and Integration. The visiting group was multi-religious, comprising representatives from Masjid Jamek, Segamat’s main mosque; the Church of St Philip; a Taoist temple; and a Hindu temple in Segamat Baru.

The programme commenced with all participants gathering at Masjid Jamek for breakfast, followed by a speech from the Officer of the National Unity Department. He emphasised the importance of tolerance and understanding the sensitivities of each other's religions, encouraging attendees to better appreciate beliefs beyond their own.

In his address, the Chairman of Masjid Jamek highlighted that matters related to halal and haram are significant to Muslims. He noted that while individuals of other faiths are welcome to practice their own religions, they should refrain from interfering in Islamic affairs.

The delegates then went on to the Church of St Philip, where more parishioners joined to welcome them at St Joseph’s Hall amidst a relaxed atmosphere. The parishioners were delighted to see Muslims, Hindus, and Taoists gathering in their church after such a long time.

Joseph George, a representative of the parish, addressed the attendees on behalf of the parishioners and offered a warm welcome. He provided a brief history of the Catholic Church in Segamat and shared a video presentation of the recent centennial celebration, which impressed the delegates. Joseph also highlighted the church’s various activities and its contributions to the Segamat community, particularly in education and the charitable work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, which provides rations, financial aid, and other forms of assistance to the needy in the district. Additionally, he informed the delegates about upcoming programmes planned for this year and next year, culminating in the closing of the 100- year celebration on May 3, 2025.

The Chairman of St Philip’s Post Centennial Committee, Benedict Pang, along with committee members Richard Joseph, Joseph George and Louis Vincent, expressed their gratitude to the delegates and the officers from the District National Unity Department for their visit. They conveyed their hope that the people of Segamat, regardless of faith or race, will continue to live in harmony. The members then accompanied the delegates in their visit to the Taoist and Hindu temples.