National Council of Churches of Singapore
Public Statement
(For immediate Release)
AWARE
30 April 2009
The National Council of Churches has been following the recent events related to AWARE. We are concerned that religion has been dragged into the unfortunate situation. The matters related to AWARE should be solved by its own members. We do not condone churches getting involved in this matter; neither do we condone pulpits being used for this purpose. Our member churches are not involved in the present saga. In fact, our heads of churches have very recently reiterated to their clergy the standing instruction on the proper use of the pulpit.
This does not preclude individual Christians, like all their fellow-citizens, from contributing in matters of social concern and well-being. Nor does it preclude churches from being involved in public square discussions within the rules of engagement in a multi-religious society that Singapore is. On various occasions in the past, the NCCS has done so responsibly when called upon to give our opinions or when there was a need to add our voice. We believe that we can engage together in our common spaces in a spirit of mutual respect so that we can contribute positively to the well-being of our nation.
In this particular situation, we should all step back and give AWARE space to settle its own matters.
Archbishop John Chew, President, NCCS
Lim K Tham, General Secretary, NCCS
About the National Council of Churches of Singapore
National Council of Churches of Singapore is a body bringing together the major Christian denominations and churches in Singapore. Its membership includes the Anglican Diocese of Singapore, Assemblies of God of Singapore, Lutheran Church in Singapore, Methodist Church in Singapore, Presbyterian Church in Singapore, The Salvation Army, Mar Thomas Syrian Church, St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Church of Singapore, Evangelical Free Church, and many other independent churches and Christian organisations.