Christians should resolve their disputes privately instead of publicly airing them in the media, NECF Malaysia Secretary-General Rev. Wong Kim Kong said.
He was responding to an e-mail, which was carried by local internet news provider Malaysiakini, condemning NECF Malaysia for inviting Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad to officiate the opening ceremony of the WEF 11th General Assembly on May 4.
“In handling disputes, we should always remember the biblical principle in Matthew 18. In this case, if you are unhappy with what we at NECF have done, you should approach us and discuss your disagreement with us.
“To go to the media and publicly voice your opposition does not glorify our Lord and will only discredit the work of the Church. It weakens our corporate witness and makes us a laughingstock to the community,” Rev. Wong said.
The writer of the e-mail had said in his e-mail: “…to invite someone (Dr Mahathir), who doesn’t hesitate to use his powers to silence those who oppose him, to open the
general assembly is an insult to the worldwide evangelical community…it is sad that a body that claims to be evangelical chooses to be openly associated with someone who treats another human being with contempt if he/she disagrees or opposes him.”
To this, Rev. Wong urged Christians not to be quick in judging others. “The Scriptures state that no one is righteous. To invite someone who is flawless on every front, even from the Church, is impossible.
He was saddened that the writer of the e-mail had discounted the efforts of NECF Malaysia in tackling many urgent issues facing the Church.
"NECF Malaysia maintains its evangelical stand without compromising biblical standards, even in the presence of the Prime Minister. In fact, his presence is evidence of his recognition of the evangelical community's contribution to nation-building,” Rev. Wong stressed.
Dr Clive Calver concurred. The President of World Relief said in his message during one of the general assembly night meetings, that the Prime Minister’s willingness to open the general assembly showed that the evangelical community in Malaysia was recognised and respected by the authorities.
Rev. Wong also said, “As to our invitation to the Prime Minister, one must distinguish between his public office and his religious inclination. We did not invite him as a Muslim but as the Prime Minister of Malaysia. As citizens, we have a duty to respect his public office.” |
