Association of Churches in Sarawak Joint Christmas Service reflects state’s rich cultural, linguistic diversity (Video)
by Matthew Umpang · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 19): Sarawak’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity was on full display at the Association of Churches in Sarawak’s (ACS) Joint Christmas Service 2025 on Thursday.
A congregation of some 1,500 from various denominations joined the celebration hosted by the Anglican Church themed ‘Emmanuel, God with Us’, highlighting unity and fellowship among Christians in the state.
Representatives from other faith communities such as the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Bahai were also in attendance.
Scripture readings and prayers were delivered in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Iban, and Biatah, reflecting the multicultural character of Sarawak’s Christian community.
Favourite carols such as ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, ‘Silent Night’, and ‘Joy to the World’ in different languages were led by an 85-member choir consisting choristers from different denominations.
They were accompanied by the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) string orchestra and sape players.
The evening began with a procession led by heads of churches and scripture readers, accompanied by the 1st Kuching Company The Boys’ Brigade drummers and bagpipers, as well as Sunday School children.
This was followed by the lighting of Christmas candles by church leaders, symbolising Christ as the Light of the World.
In his welcoming address, Archdeacon Joseph Dusit from the Anglican Church said the gathering demonstrated that despite denominational differences, Christians in Sarawak stood as one family in Christ.
Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei and ACS chairman the Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute’s sermon focussed on the assurance and hope found in God’s presence with humanity amid life’s challenges.
A children’s presentation titled ‘God With Us’ by of St Thomas’ Cathedral and St Basil’s Church Sunday School children added a family-oriented element to the service.
The joint service concluded with a benediction led by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching the Most Rev Datuk Dr Simon Poh, who called on believers to carry God’s presence into their daily lives and to be bearers of hope, compassion, and mercy.
Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau.