The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)
New Lutheran church bishop consecrated, 22 February 2009
by M. SHAMINEE
KUALA LUMPUR: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brickfields was packed with people who came to witness the consecration of their new bishop.
It was a joyous, and sombre, occasion. While Rt Rev Dr Solomon Rajah was congratulated by parishioners, others prayed for the soul of his predecessor Bishop Julius Paul who died in a tragic boat accident in Guatemala on Nov 23 last year.
“It is unfortunate that I am taking over under such tragic circumstances. However, I will do my best to continue the excellent work carried out for 20 years as the head of Evangelical Lutheran Church by Bishop Julius Paul,” said Dr Rajah, who is married to Daisy Stella John. They have three children.
Dr Rajah, a pastor for the past 23 years, began his ministry as a parish assistant in 1975, graduating with an Ordained bachelor degree in Divinity. He went on to complete his masters and doctorate in Theology.
“My specific area of interest is the inter-religious understanding in Malaysia where I will try my best to forge better relations among Malay¬sians of various faiths,” said Dr Rajah, who has written four books.
Christian joy: (from left) Rev Ng, Rev Hammer and Rev Dr Martin conducting the consecration of Dr Rajah at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brickfields yesterday.
The consecration was conducted by Lutheran Archbishop of Uppsala, Sweden, The Most Rev Karl Gustav Hammer in the presence of Rt Rev Dr H.A. Martin, the Bishop of the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tamil Nadu and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia Rt Rev Ng Moon Heng.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok was also present.
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