By Herald Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR — The Catholic Church in Malaysia must continue its journey of renewal, mission and courageous witness by recognising the signs of the times, or risk becoming “an empty gong,” said Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
Reflecting on the life and mission of the Church following the recent ad limina visit to Rome, Archbishop Julian said the Catholic community in Malaysia, though small, remains vibrant and filled with hope. At the same time, he stressed that the Church must continue discerning how to respond faithfully to today’s social, cultural and spiritual challenges.
His reflections come as the Church prepares for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026), the first national pastoral gathering bringing together delegates from all nine dioceses across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The convention, to be held from Sept 9–12, will be a moment of listening, dialogue and discernment on how the Church can live its mission more authentically.
“We are called to act prophetically. Renewal must begin with us, otherwise we are like an empty gong,” Archbishop Julian told Fides News Agency.
Describing the Malaysian Catholic community as “dynamic and continuing to grow,” the archbishop acknowledged that the Church carries out its mission within a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, while navigating certain political, legal and social realities.
Although Catholics represent approximately three per cent of Malaysia’s 36 million population, with about 1.3 million faithful, the Church continues to grow. In the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur alone, between 600 and 700 adults are baptised each year through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), in addition to infant baptisms.
“We continue to see many conversions and baptisms of both adults and children,” he said. “That is why we look to the future of our community with hope.”
Migrants and refugees have also become part of the life of the local Church, including communities from Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran and other countries. Archbishop Julian noted that many come seeking safety, stability and a better future.
Among the greatest challenges facing the Church today, he identified secularism, religious indifference and the impact of digital culture. In an increasingly technological world, he said many people are losing interest in spiritual life and questions about God.
The COVID-19 pandemic also affected participation in Church life, especially among young people and some elderly faithful who became accustomed to online Masses. However, he noted that many are gradually returning.
In Malaysia’s diverse society, interreligious dialogue remains an important part of the Church’s mission. Archbishop Julian highlighted the cooperation among Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Taoists in addressing issues of shared concern.
“When we speak with one voice, the government listens,” he said, adding that despite challenges, Malaysia continues to enjoy a spirit of peace and harmony among religious communities.
The archbishop also expressed concern over priestly and religious vocations. While there are about 85 seminarians across Malaysia’s nine dioceses, including 17 from Kuala Lumpur, he said more vocations are needed as older priests retire.
Looking ahead, Archbishop Julian emphasised that the future of the Church depends greatly on accompanying young people.
“We are called to give priority to young people,” he said, warning that the Church risks losing its future if it fails to journey with them through the challenges of the modern world.
This commitment is reflected in preparations for World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea, where he hopes to accompany hundreds of young Malaysians.
“Young people are searching for answers to life’s big questions,” he said. “Our faith can offer those answers, but we must learn to communicate them in their language.”
He stressed that major events alone are not enough. Young people must continue to receive meaningful accompaniment when they return to their dioceses and parishes.
“Christ is with you in every moment and in every aspect of your life,” he said.
Expressing hope for the future, Archbishop Julian said the Church’s mission is ultimately to become a witness of God’s love for all.
“I hope we can strengthen our faith to bear authentic witness to the Gospel and be a beacon of light for the entire nation,” he said. Paolo Affatato, Fides
