National Council of Churches of Singapore

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National Council of Churches of Singapore
LeaderRev. Terry Kee Buck Hwa
RegionSingapore
Official websitehttp://nccs.org.sg/

The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) is an ecumenical fellowship of Churches and Christian organisations in Singapore. This duty was initially carried out by the Malayan Christian Council which was then succeeded by the Council of Churches of Malaysia and Singapore. Following the expulsion of Singapore from Malaysia, a new, separate Council of Churches in Singapore was then constituted on 24 July 1974.[1] It represents over 250 churches in Singapore.[2]

The current president of the NCCS is Keith Lai.[3]

The Council has been noted to be "socially conservative and theologically evangelical", embracing denominational and liturgical diversity. This has led several independent churches to seek membership in the council.[4]

In recent years, it has also taken a more active stance,[5] issuing statements on issues that the Council feels are of grave concern. These include the Pink Dot Movement and the new online gambling laws.[6][7]

Controversies[]

Adam Lambert's performance at The Star Performing Arts Centre[]

In May 2013, the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) said it was looking into a complaint about Adam Lambert performing at The Star Performing Arts Centre, a commercial entity fully owned by Rock Productions, the business arm of New Creation Church. Lim K. Tham, general secretary of the council said it had received a complaint that "the gay lifestyle may be promoted at the concert" and that "The NCCS has conveyed this concern to New Creation so that it can make a response."

In a statement, the church said that according to stipulations from the authorities before the tender was awarded to Rock Productions, the venue had to operate "on a purely commercial basis and will not implement any leasing or pricing policies that will discriminate between religious groups, institutions or organisations from hiring the venue". The church said all public events require a public entertainment licence from the police, and it had "utmost confidence" in the policies and ability of government bodies such as the Media Development Authority to "protect the interest of the general public". The statement added that any event at the performing arts centre "should not be misconstrued or misunderstood" as the church "approving of its artistic presentation or endorsing the lifestyle of the performer".[8]

References[]

  1. ^ "National Council of Churches Singapore History". National Council of Churches Singapore.
  2. ^ Zaccheus, Melody (5 Oct 2016). "National Council of Churches Singapore calls for decision to allow online betting to be reviewed". The Straits Times. Singapore. Retrieved 18 Feb 2017.
  3. ^ "Rev Keith Lai takes over from Bishop Terry Kee as president of NCCS". Salt&Light. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  4. ^ Harvey, Thomas (October 2009). "Ecumenical Engagement Resurrected: The Demise and Rebirth of the National Council of Churches, Singapore". Transformation. 26 (4): 258–268. doi:10.1177/0265378809342503. JSTOR 43052783.
  5. ^ Harvey, Thomas (October 2009). "Ecumenical Engagement Resurrected: The Demise and Rebirth of the National Council of Churches, Singapore". Transformation. 26 (4): 258–268. doi:10.1177/0265378809342503. JSTOR 43052783.
  6. ^ Zaccheus, Melody (5 Oct 2016). "National Council of Churches Singapore calls for decision to allow online betting to be reviewed". The Straits Times. Singapore. Retrieved 18 Feb 2017.
  7. ^ Chan, Robin (26 Jun 2014). "Gay lifestyle against Bible, says Council of Churches". The Straits Times. Singapore. Retrieved 18 Feb 2017.
  8. ^ migration (2013-03-06). "Church feels the heat over gay singer's gig". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2020-12-26.
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