Anglican dean hopes Christianity will be seen as religion of peace
KUCHING: With Christmas just around the corner, the Dean of St Thomas’ Cathedral hopes that Christians in the country will continue to promote the religion as a symbol of peace.
According to the Very Reverend Michael Buma Galami, although Christians in Sarawak live in peace with people of other religions and faiths, it does not mean that they should take things for granted as the world’s religious landscape is ever- changing.
He also said that Christmas will be ever so meaningful if Jesus Christ is recognised universally as a symbol of peace by everyone regardless of race or religion.
“Our faith ( Christianity) has always been a faith that promotes peace. We should always continue to do so for as long as we are Christians,” he added.
Thus, he hoped that Christmas this year wil l be a peaceful occasion worldwide for everyone who observes the celebration.
He was speaking to reporters during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony held at the cathedral’s compound on Sunday to mark the coming Christmas celebration.
It was witnes sed by the cathedral’s officials, clergymen and those who attended the Evensong service that day.
Before the Christmas tree was lighted, the cathedral’s choir led a procession from inside the cathedral to the tree right after the said service followed by the servers and celebrants singing carols while holding lighted candles.
On the way to bless the tree, the dean also took time to stop and bless the cathedral’s Christmas manger located nearby.
Michael revealed that the tree is also known as the Tree of Life and that it was the first time during his tenure as dean that the cathedral held such a ceremony.
Christians worldwide celebrate Christmas this weekend, an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which is observed most commonly on Dec 25 as a religious and cultural celebration.