Remarks by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Dinner celebrating the Installation of Rt Revd Dr Titus Chung as the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of South East Asia

Your Grace, Archbishop Titus Chung,

Bishops

Ladies and Gentlemen

1.  It is my privilege to join you this evening, together with my spouse Jane Ittogi, Minister Masagos and Mrs Masagos, and other dignitaries and community leaders, to celebrate the installation of the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of South East Asia. It is my pleasure to be part of this symbolic and significant event.

2.  My congratulations to Archbishop Titus. Ordained in 1997, Titus had worked with fellow church leaders for many years, and put much effort intofostering religious harmony, before being appointed as the 10^th Bishop of Singapore in 2020.

3.  The Archbishop’s installation comes at a time of growing fragility around the world. In some countries, political and religious schisms present threats to human well-being and security.  

   1.  All the more in these times, that we uphold universal humanitarian values, including respect for each other as individuals, an interest in each other’s cultures and creeds, and faith in our common humanity.

   2.  This has particular importance for us as Singaporeans, whose very identity rests on multiracial and multireligious harmony.

   3.  Our religious leaders play a key role in this regard, as they both guide their flock in understanding their own religious beliefs and responsibilities, and foster positive and shared civic norms and values.

4.  Throughout its rich history, the Anglican Church in Singapore has contributed to our cohesiveness and development as a society.

   1.  The Anglican Diocese of Singapore has been a firm supporter of religious harmony. It has affirmed the Commitment to Safeguard Religious Harmony, and several of its parishes participate in the Racial and Religious Harmony Circles.

   2. The Diocese has also made significant contributions in education, healthcare, and community service, which have benefitted the lives of many Singaporeans of different races and religions. These endeavours reflect the Diocese’s commitment to building a caring and inclusive society.

5. Each of the dioceses within the Province are headed by their respective Bishops, who together form the autonomous Provincial House of Bishops. 

   1.  I acknowledge and welcome the presence of the immediate past Archbishop of the Province and Bishop of Sabah, Bishop Melter Jiki Tais, Bishop Danald Jute from Kuching, and Bishop Steven Abbarow of West Malaysia. 

   2.  The Provincial House of Bishops has provided strong episcopal leadership to the Provincial Church over many years. This has contributed to the unity and stability of the Anglican Church in our part of the world. It has also supported the work of its constituent dioceses to relieve poverty and expand its community services to the larger population.

6.  It is my hope that under the episcopal leadership of Archbishop Titus, supported by all the Bishops of West Malaysia, Kuching, and Sabah, the Provincial Anglican church will continue to promote strong civic values, be an active partner in community service, and promote the spiritual wellbeing of societies in this region.

Once again, my congratulations and well wishes to Archbishop Titus, the Provincial Anglican Church and the Diocese of Singapore. Thank you.