the case of r. subashini saravanan

all the catholic churches in malaysia had been directed to read out the following statement in church beginning from today (31 march) and everyday for a week until 8 april.

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STATEMENT BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOP OF MALAYSIA ON THE COURT OF APPEAL DECISION IN THE MATTER OF R. SUBASHINI SARAVANAN

We are deeply disappointed and feel aggrieved by the recent majority decision of the Court of Appeal that the non-Muslim wife had to seek recourse through the Syariah Courts. This is a form of religious oppression and an affront to human dignity. As the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the country, a person of one religion should not be made subject to laws of and governance by another religion. We urge all to voice their grievances against the injustice through proper channels. Let us do all that is possible and also pray that justice and freedom of religion be restored.

signed by the President of Conference of Catholic Bishops of Malaysia, Most Rev. Datuk Murphy Pakiam, dated 27th March 2007 in KL.

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this is the prayer we are told to add in among our usual sunday’s ‘prayer of the faithful’.

“That government and authorities may respect the God-given religious freedom to every person and that no external constraints be placed on individuals or groups in seeking redress of their rights ot live according to the tenets of their faith.”

earlier the conference had also issues a press statement. it was reported in some paper. later on i will check for the source.

more about subashini’s case later.