The Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei (CBCMSB) on their recent zoom conference Aug 9
By Charles Bertille
Aug 13 2021
THE Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei (CBCMSB) opted for stability in the election of their office bearers at their recently concluded Conference.
The term of office normally comes to an end after two years, and is renewable. However, the bishops decided to maintain most of the offices for two practical reasons.
Given the pandemic we are traversing, and that all dioceses and parishes are grappling with the consequences, it is prudent to focus the energies on the on-going efforts of relief and rebuilding being carried by various offices than on change of office-bearers.
Three major ecclesial events require our attention: the Synod of Bishops announced by Pope Francis to be launched in our local dioceses on 17 October 2021; and second, the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC) 50th Anniversary gathering, postponed to November 2022. The process will pass through the local churches or dioceses who are asked to study various emerging realities and to propose how we can respond. The third is our homegrown Pan-Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026. It requires animation of parish, diocese, and regional assemblies if we are to succeed.
However, the sede vacant of the late Cardinal Cornelius Sim had to be filled. He was vice-president of the Conference and head of the regional Biblical and Social Communications commissions.
The bishops are currently reviewing the work structure and secretariat to see how they can best respond to the changing context and draw closer to the needs of the people. There may be some reorganizing taking place. As an example, the commission for Family, Laity and Life has been separated into two commissions: Family Life and Laity – so that it can function more effectively.
The President, Bishop Sebastian Francis, was re-elected by an easy majority. The new vice-President is Archbishop William Goh of Singapore. Archbishop Julian Leow remains the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia. Here is the list of the line-up:
CBCMSB Executive Body
President: Bp Sebastian Francis, Penang
Vice President: Abp William Goh, Singapore
Episcopal Secretary: Bp Richard Ng, Miri
Bishop Treasurer: Bp Bernard Paul, Malacca Johore
Exec Secretary: Charles Bertille
Presidents of Commissions & Offices
Biblical Commission: Bp Richard Ng, Miri
Social Communications: Abp William Goh.
Family Life: Abp John Wong, Kota Kinabalu
Laity: Bp Julius Gitom, Sandakan
Consecrated Life: Abp William Goh
Caritas: Bp Bernard Paul, Malacca Johore
Creation Justice: Bp Joseph Hii, Sibu
Migrants & Itinerants (ECMI): Bp Bernard Paul
Diocesan Priests & Seminaries: Bp Richard Ng
Ecumenism & Inter-faith Affairs: Abp Julian Leow, Kuala Lumpur
Youth & Campus Ministry: Abp Simon Poh, Kuching
Liturgy: Bp Sebastian Francis
Pontifical Mission Societies / New Evangelisation: Abp Simon Poh
Healthcare: Bp Cornelius Piong
Malaysian Catechetical Commission: Abp Julian Leow
Malaysian Catholic Education: Abp Julian Leow
The bishops have scheduled a follow-up meeting on the Conference structure and secretariat. It will be facilitated by Abp Julian on 24 August morning. There will be further announcements after the meeting.
