Serving the Church, Engaging Society:
A History of the National Council of Churches of Singapore
— A Summary
UNITING THE CHURCH
The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) was established in 1974 to promote Christian unity and serve as a platform for churches to collaborate on matters of common concern. Its founding members were traditional denominational churches, but over the years, it has expanded to include independent evangelical churches.
The NCCS has played a significant role in fostering Christian unity in Singapore. It has organized events such as the Jubilee Day of Prayer and the Celebration of Hope, which brought together Christians from various denominations. The Council has also been instrumental in addressing issues affecting the Christian community, such as church governance and the renewal of land leases.
In addition to serving the Church, the NCCS has actively engaged with broader societal issues. It has represented the Christian community on national matters, advocated for religious freedom, and promoted interfaith dialogue. The Council’s efforts have been recognized by the Singapore government, which has often sought its views on various issues.
While the NCCS has faced challenges, such as differences in theology and approaches to church ministry, it has persevered in its mission to unite the Church and serve society. The Council’s commitment to Christian unity and its contributions to Singapore’s social and religious landscape have made it a vital institution in the country.
ASSISTING THE CHURCHES
NCCS has played a crucial role in serving the Christian community in Singapore. It has provided various forms of assistance to churches, including:
- Advocacy and representation: NCCS has advocated for the interests of churches on issues such as land leases, church governance, and the recognition of pastors as Licensed Solemnisers of Marriages.
- Information and resources: NCCS has published a directory of churches and Christian organizations and established the ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity to provide research and insights on relevant topics.
- Networking and collaboration: NCCS has facilitated collaboration among churches through initiatives like the Harmony Games and the Celebration of Hope.
- Crisis response: NCCS has responded to crises such as the Christchurch terror attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic by providing support and resources to churches and the broader Christian community.
Through its various initiatives, NCCS has strengthened the bonds of Christian unity, promoted interfaith understanding, and served as a valuable resource for the Christian community in Singapore.
ENGAGING SOCIETY
NCCS has actively engaged with various societal and cultural issues, advocating for Christian values and promoting interfaith harmony. Here are some key areas of focus:
- Interfaith Relations:
- Promoting understanding and respect: NCCS has worked to foster positive relationships among different religious communities in Singapore.
- Addressing religious intolerance: The Council has condemned acts of terrorism and discrimination against religious groups.
- Encouraging dialogue and collaboration: NCCS has participated in interfaith dialogues and initiatives to build bridges of understanding.
- Biomedical Ethics:
- Engaging in public consultations: NCCS has been involved in consultations conducted by the Bioethics Advisory Committee on various biomedical research issues.
- Providing ethical guidance: The Council has issued statements and recommendations based on Christian principles.
- Promoting responsible research: NCCS has advocated for ethical considerations in biomedical research.
- LGBT and S377A:
- Advocating for the retention of S377A: NCCS has maintained its position that the law should be retained, while also advocating for the respectful treatment of all individuals.
- Addressing concerns about religious freedom: The Council has expressed concerns about the potential impact of repealing S377A on the freedom of religious communities to teach their beliefs.
- Providing pastoral care: NCCS has encouraged churches to provide care and support to individuals struggling with same-sex attraction.
- Other Issues:
- Maintenance of Religious Harmony Bill: NCCS has engaged with the government on amendments to this Bill to ensure the protection of religious freedom.
- Online falsehoods: The Council has participated in public consultations on addressing deliberate online falsehoods.
- Watain concert: NCCS has expressed concerns about the potential impact of certain concerts on social values and public morality.
Through its engagement with these issues, NCCS has demonstrated its commitment to serving both the Church and society, promoting Christian values, and contributing to the well-being of Singapore.