The Most Reverend Datuk Yong Ping Chung, Bishop of Sabah was
re-elected as the Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church in S E
Asia at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Synod held in Kudat, Sabah on 20
November 2003.
The Provincial Synod assembled from 18 to 19 November 2003
for a 2-day retreat, meditation and continuous prayers in preparation for
the election of the Archbishop. All 32 Synod members, Provincial officials
and their spouses attended the retreat.
Following the close of the retreat sessions, Synod members
held a time of sharing of the perceived needs of the Province. The session
was held in the absence of all the 4 Diocesan Bishops. It was clear that
members shared a common vision to have a man appointed by God to lead the
Province in the challenging times ahead. Members then retired to their rooms
for prayers to seek the Lord’s hand over the election.
The election was conducted by secret ballot following a Holy
Communion service on the morning of
20 November 2003 and the
result was announced at 9.35 am.
In his acceptance speech, Archbishop Yong said: “I humbly
accept your mandate as Primate of this Province. The last 4 years had not
been easy but we did it because our focus was on Jesus and not on the
problems. I know I cannot do it on my own. I ask that as you have given me
the mandate, please also continue to give me your support for the tasks
ahead.” Referring to John 17:20-23, the Archbishop urged all members of the
Province to “Let the Spirit take hold of us so that we may be one in
Christ.”
Archbishop Yong was first elected as the Archbishop of the
Province in February 2000. The full term of the archbishop is 4 years.
However as Archbishop Yong will attain the compulsory retirement age of 65
years in February 2006, he will continue to lead the Province until then.
