CCM (http://www.ccmalaysia.com)
1.Demise of Rt. Rev. Julius Danaraj Paul
The Council of Churches of Malaysia is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of the demise of the Rt. Rev. Julius Danaraj Paul, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia on 22nd November 2008 at a boat mishap on Lake Atitian in Guatemala. He was 63 years old. Bishop Paul was there to attend a Lutheran World Federation Conference.
The CCM mourns the loss of a devoted servant of the Gospel who had given his life for the cause of ecumenism. Bishop Paul, as one of the long-serving ecclesiastical leaders in our country, had offered outstanding leadership to the Council of Churches of Malaysia, and other ecumenical organizations in the region (CCA) and globally (LWF). He participated actively in the formation of the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia and the Christian Federation of Malaysia and served in important positions in those organizations.
Bishop Julius had enjoyed great respect and admiration from other church and government leaders as he was a passionate and relentless advocate of justice and peace in the country. As an ecumenist he had always sought the common ground so that churches could effectively impact social change in society.
Although it is sad that he has left us so suddenly, his life and contribution will be remembered and cherished by all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and relatives, particularly his wife Alice Paul and children Surenthiren, Naveenthiren and Lalitha.
Jesus said, “ My sheep hear my voice.
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life,
and they will never perish.” ( John 10: 27-28)
Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
General Secretary
24th November 2008
2. Condolences from WCC on the demise of Bishop Julius Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia
Dear Brothers and Sisters
It was with shock that we received the news last week that the life of Bishop Julius Danaraj Paul was taken in a tragic boating accident on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala – so far away from his family and from his flock in Malaysia.
Since the day we received the news, our thoughts and prayers have been with Mrs Alice Paul, the entire Paul family and the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia.
There are few words that can offer solace to the family and to the church at a time such as this. Perhaps the only comfort is the love of God in Christ Jesus.
In the words of the Apostle Paul “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39).
The love of God in Christ Jesus surrounds Bishop Paul, even in death. The love of God in Christ Jesus surrounds his family and his church, even as you mourn. Neither death, nor distance, nor heart-ache, nor longing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. The presence of Christ in our midst is a constant reminder of God’s eternal love for each of us. This same love unites us in this world and the world to come.
Bishop Paul was a greatly respected church leader at home and abroad. His legacy as bishop, his commitment to the global church and his passion for social welfare will long be remembered.
Please know that you remain in our prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
5 December 2008
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