The Taman Medan church that was forced to remove a cross from its building by a group of protesters last Sunday, held a trouble free prayer gathering on Friday.
The drama of last Sunday, where a rowdy protest by some 50 residents, was a distant memory and had done little to affect their spirits as some 10 faithful gathered for the service.
“None of the church members are worried. We feel very relieved that everyone is supportive. We want to thank (Selangor) Menteri Besar (Mohamed Azmin Ali) for his words and support as well as the media,” said the church elder A. Sudas, who conducted the service.
He said although there were no police presence in the area, last night’s service saw a normal turnout for a weekday prayer gathering.
“It is a normal turnout for a weekday. Some were working so only those who could make it will come. As for tonight it was less than 10 people.”
He said that the church catered to a small group of parishioners.
“The most we had at one time during a gathering would be around 20 people,
“There were no sermons on Friday. We held prayers and usually the session would take about two hours.”
The service on Friday as that on Sunday was held in the Tamil language.
“We are very simple people. We hold no grudge. I believe in Jesus and he is very forgiving,” Sudas told The Malaysian Insider last night.
Earlier, flowers were seen scattered at the shop building entrance leading to the first floor where the church was located.
Sudas, who arrived earlier, picked up the flowers and notes as he waited for the parishioners to arrive.
He said that the Sunday service will be held as usual.
Another group is expected to gather outside its doors on Sunday, but this time, participants will distribute flowers to the congregation and other residents in the Malay-majority neighbourhood.
The gathering, organised by “Malaysians for Malaysia”, wants to promote peace and religious understanding, and to offer support to the congregation after last Sunday’s cross protest.
The group will be distributing flowers to the congregation and residents in the area.
Azrul Mohd Khalib, a coordinator for the group, said the event will be similar to another solidarity gathering, which it had organised at a church in Klang last year, after a spike in religious tension over the use of the word “Allah” by Bahasa Malaysia-speaking Christians.
On Sunday, a group of 50 residents protested in front of the church, demanding it take down the cross that was affixed to the building façade.
They said the cross was a challenge to Islam and would sway the faith of youth in the area.
Police are investigating the case under the Sedition Act and has recorded statements from at least 10 people to facilitate investigation.
More are expected to be called in soon. – April 25, 2015.
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