For Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevesan and political scientist Wong Chin Huat attended service this morning in a show of solidarity following a statement by 127 NGOs protesting the church attacks. - Picture by Jack Ooi
PETALING JAYA, Jan 10 — Yesterday’s firebomb attack at the Good Sheperd Lutheran church did not affect the turnout its Sunday service this morning.
Some 60 worshippers were present during the English service at 10.30am.
The attack believed to have occurred early yesterday morning was discovered by church pastor reverend Augustine Muthusamy later that afternoon, who then lodged a police report.
The firebomb was thrown from outside the worship hall and missed the glass window by a few inches, leaving burnt marks on the church’s wall.
In his sermon today Muthusamy urged the worshippers to pray for peace and work towards maintaining harmony.
“One important thing to do is to stop pointing fingers,” he said in his sermon emphasising the importance of offering forgiveness.
Speaking to reporters after the service he said the attack on the church was shocking as there has been too many rumours on such incidents.
“When SMS of attacks or riot in Bangsar were circulated, I was in Bangsar, nothing happened so I took for granted all these,” said Muthusamy referring to the rumours circulating last Friday.
Muthusamy (right) also said that the incident should not be seen as a Muslims versus Christians issue.
“The police officer who took my report told me he was ashamed of what happened and many Muslims have come forward condemning the attacks,” he said.
“For most people this shouldn’t have happened,” he added.
Two other churches here were also attacked with the Life Chapel in Section 17 suffering scorch marks while Assumption Church was not damaged.
The Metro Tabernacle Church near the city centre was the worst hit and the government had allocated RM500,000 for the relocation of the church.
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