Bibliography of Christianity in Malaysia

Introduction to the web edition of A Bibliography of Malaysian Church History (2002)

This bibliography was originally published in 1990 for the Malaysian Church History Study Group by Seminari Theoloji Malaysia and the Catholic Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur as the Malaysian Church History Series, No. 2. This web edition was set up in 1997 and in October 2002 it was updated as a sub-web of the website roxborogh.com. There is now a vastly greater list of papers, research and reference resources available and the task of keeping a bibliography up to date is quite daunting and beyond my resources. Nevertheless I hope that in a small way this remains a useful guide to material dating before 2002.

It began life in connection with classes in Malaysian Church History (thanks to STM students!) and then as the second of a series of writings on Malaysian Church History produced by members of the Malaysian Church History Study Group under the auspices of Seminari Theoloji Malaysia and the Catholic Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Introduction to the first edition (1990)

Notwithstanding the ongoing need for more historical writing produced by and for Malaysians, and analysis which deals adequately with modern questions, there is a vast amount of material available relating to the history of Christianity in Malaysia.

This second publication in the ‘Malaysian Church History Series’ aimed to provide a record of archives and publications in different parts of the world relating to Malaysia and Singapore. It has been arranged by denomination or society, ethnic group, region, period and theme, and this structure is retained even where, as in some cases, no entries have been made.

A few apologies are in order. Entries are primarily in English with only some theses in the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. Further work is also needed to locate material in Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Swedish and Tamil. A good deal of miscellaneous material such as souvenir booklets, smaller pamphlets and parish magazines have not been included although these are often important sources. It has not been possible to be totally rigorous about placing entries in all categories for which they have relevance. The location of material is not indicated and thought will be needed to track down some items. Annotations are provided for some entries, but not for all. The periodisation may appear colonial but prior to Merdeka [Independence] it is difficult to escape the effect of externally determined events. It is hoped that errors are limited, but advice of corrections and notice of items for future inclusion will be gratefully accepted.

Addresses of churches and of para-church organizations, can be found in the directories edited by Kao Keng-Tai and Dorothy Kao published by Singapore Every Home Crusade and available from 04-07 Bible House, 7 Armenian Street, Singapore 0617.

I would like to express my appreciation to Haji Ibrahim bin Ismail and Mr Soong Mun Wai of the University of Malaya Library for their gracious assistance and also offer thanks for all kinds of help to those associated with the Malaysian Church History Study Group, particularly Rev Hwa Yung, Rev Dr Robert Hunt and Dr Lee Kam Hing.

John Roxborogh, May 1990.

Malaysian Church History Study Group

In September 1984 a group of Christians concerned about the writing of the history of the Church in Malaysia, met under the auspices of Seminari Theoloji Malaysia and the Catholic Research Centre to consider what needed to be done.

It was decided to enlist the involvement and co-operation of as many churches and groups as possible so that together we could encourage research and writing.

How you can help.

You may know of church magazines, old minute books, diaries or photographs which help tell the story during significant times in Malaysia’s history. You may be able to interview older members of your congregation. A coming anniversary or jubilee may stimulate the writing of a parish history.

We would like to hear from you if you are engaged in research of any kind, or about to be engaged in research. We invite you to write to:

The Archivist, Seminari Theology Malaysia, Lot 3011, Taman South East, Jalan Tampin Lama, Batu 3, 70100 Seremban Negri Sembilan D. K. Malaysia

Malaysian Church History Study Group Guidelines

"In its publications the Malaysian Church History Study Group wishes it to be understood that views expressed by individual authors are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers, the Study Group, or sponsoring organizations.

At the same time, material accepted for publication is expected to be marked by objectivity of approach, sensitivity to different views that may be held on different subjects, and a sympathetic rather than a partisan approach to issues. We seek to promote writing and research that is of good quality and that is fair to the range of opinions that one would naturally expect to find in any historical project. A balanced approach will seek to concentrate on issues rather than personalities, be understanding of people’s ideals and intentions, and judicious in its analysis. The tone as well as the content is very important. Indignation and condemnation, for example, are inappropriate to the sort of work we are trying to promote."

A brief overview of Malaysian Christianity

After the Portuguese conquest of 1511, Melaka became a centre for evangelization and used as a base by Francis Xavier. The Dutch conquest of 1641 displaced Catholic influence until the 1700s. Catholic priests from Siam re-established a regional major seminary in Penang in 1809.

In the 19^th century Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and Brethren churches developed ministry to Chinese and Indian migrants. The English adventurer “Rajah” James Brooke invited Anglican and Catholic missionaries to restrain headhunting in Sarawak. Methodist influence from 1885 built on interest in English education and cemented strong ties with Foochow settlements in Sitiawan and Sibu.

During the Emergency (1948-1963) missionaries from China were encouraged to work among Chinese resettled in “New Villages.” The shoestring operation of the Borneo Evangelical Mission in East Malaysia from 1928 led to the growth of the “Sidang Injil Borneo.” By the 1970s Christianity was denominationally and ethnically diverse and church leadership firmly national. By 2000 Christians comprised some 9% of the population.

Ethnicity and religion is often correlated particularly with Malays as Muslims and Indians as Hindus. Malay who convert lose Malay identity and privileges. Christianity is seen as a source of religious power, and historically associated with education and modernization. Secularised versions of faith are of little relevance. Malaysian culture supports religious practices including prayer, fasting, and public affirmation of faith. This can facilitate a shared discourse, especially on social issues, but also presents political risk. While neighbourly relationships across social and religious divides are affirmed, the culture also sustains those barriers. The association of national symbols and language with Islam make enculturation of art and architecture and the use of the Malay language in worship difficult. Despite increased wealth generally, pockets of poverty remain.