Province of West Malaysia

WHY DO WE NEED A PROVINCE OF WEST MALAYSIA?

After the 2009 Synod Presidential Address, some lay people came and asked me the question “Why do we need a Province of West Malaysia?” I thought it is most expedient and appropriate to inform everyone what is inside my mind and thoughts. I will try to answer the questions posed to me earlier.

What is a province?

According to the Anglican ecclesial structure, a province is an independent ecclesial entity of a collection of dioceses (a minimal of four) coming together for greater ministry, mission, testimony, sharing and fellowship.

Can we not do evangelism and grow our diocese without becoming a province?

Of course, we can continue to grow our diocese and do our ministry as usual. Evangelism and ministry must go on with or without becoming a province. This is the basic call for all of us Christians.

What is the advantage of a province?

At least for our diocese, there are four main reasons.

1.Decentralisation – As the church grows in size and numbers, we need more leaders. One diocesan bishop will not be able to manage the whole diocese. In the early years, we were once part of the Diocese of London. Then later when the Diocese of Calcutta was established; all the churches east of Calcutta were under this new diocese. Later in 1855, the Diocese of Labuan, Sarawak and Singapore was established; and in 1909 the Diocese of Borneo and the Diocese of Singapore were created. In 1962, the Diocese of Sabah and the Diocese of Kuching were formed. Our Diocese was created in 1970 from the Diocese of Singapore. All these happened for the greater attention, growth and care for the churches so that greater ministry can be seen.
 

2.Incorporation Act – Our Diocese is under the Incorporation Act of the Parliament. It is prudent and sensible to act wisely and delicately on this matter. We are advised to preferably go for a change of name rather than asking for two or three Incorporation Acts for the different dioceses. So in order to create one or two more dioceses, we should look into creating four dioceses and at the same time a province with the aim to have all the dioceses/province come under one Incorporation act.
 

3.Properties – If we have a province, then all the properties of our diocese can come under the province and every diocese can share the costs and benefits. We can avoid the scenario that one diocese is rich and the next diocese is poor in assets.
 

4.Manpower and Resources – We can share the manpower and resources within the province. We have to avoid the situation that one diocese has many priests and the next does not have enough.
 

5.Delegation – All the new dioceses will be autonomous and carry on with their own ministry. This is an improvement over and against the present Archdeaconry structure where the Archdeacons do not have the role or responsibility as a bishop has. This is in the same manner where each parish has its own autonomy to do its ministry.

What will happen to our relationship in the Province of South East Asia?

We will still remain in the Province of South East Asia. Among the four dioceses in West Malaysia, we are relating to each other just like we are before but with greater diversity and autonomy for each diocese to function. Similarly, in Nigeria, there are 10 provinces within the Province of Nigeria; and in Australia, there are 6 provinces; in USA, there are 8 provinces; in England, there are two provinces.

Will there be more expenses for a province?

Certainly, there will be some extra expenses but I don’t think it will be very much more. The expenses are more or less the same with our present set up with Diocesan and Assistant Bishops.

What are the advantages in terms of ministry and mission?

There will be more attention and focus given to the leadership of a smaller geographical area. Even the remote areas where once they are not given priority can be attended to easier.

Do we have the numbers and manpower to become a province?

We already have the numbers and manpower of a province but the distribution is not evenly yet. We need to place much focus and attention to build up the North, South and East so that they also can have comfortable and reasonable numbers and manpower. Only then we will move to the creation of dioceses and province.

When do you wish to see the reality of such a province?

I hope that by 2010 we can start the process of the creation of dioceses and province. By 2015 I wish to see that we are allowed in principle to change the name from ‘diocese’ to ‘province’ in the Incorporation Act. Then the dioceses can be created one by one when each one is ready. By 2020, the whole process will be in place and completed.

Will the increase of bishops be top-heavy?

I don’t think so. I am creating many ministries for lay people so that they can also share in the ministry. The ideas of Hon. Lay Pastors, Lay Readers, Evangelists, Hon. Deaconesses, Deaconesses, Local Ordained Ministry (LOM), Non Stipendiary Ministry (NSM), etc. are to increase the manpower base so that it will not fall back on the bishop and archdeacons alone.

What should we be doing now?

We should be praying and continue in our church planting and mission work in an even fervent pace. We don’t have much time as we read the signs of times – days ahead are tougher and anticipating more troubles and disasters. We should work towards a sharing ministry with all the churches of different churchmanship and denominations for the sake of the Gospel. We should be more involved in social, community care, justice and green ministry to be salt and light of the world. We should be dropping our differences and work towards a more meaningful and healthier society, beginning with our churches.

What is your main purpose?

Our ultimate aim is not the province or dioceses rather to see our churches seriously and urgently having good and proper investments on earth for eternity benefits. 

(November 22nd, 2009 posted in another blog)