The Methodist Church - begetter of unity among men

Ransiri Fernando

UNITY: The Methodist Church of Sri Lanka is scheduled to hold its Annual Conference of 2007 in the city of Moratuwa. This beautiful town has a Methodist heritage that goes back to 1817.

The conference will be held from 23rd to 28th August at Moratumulla and Rawathawatte. History records the first Conference was held on 11th July in Galle. There were only a few participants on that day.

The most important decision taken in 1814 was the essentiality to spread Methodism throughout the length and breadth of this country. Thus from the beginning Sri Lankans from the North, South, East and West as well as the central hills, embraced the doctrine of Methodism.

Methodism which had its birth in Sri Lanka in 1814 has rendered an invaluably service to our land, in every sphere, of human activity. The Church ventured into education, medical care and health, community life, urban and rural development.

However, the most significant and lasting contribution was in the field of education. The church challenged the colonial government to establish state schools. When government policy favoured English Schools, the church relentlessly fought for vernacular education.

The importance of the mother tongue being the medium of instruction in schools was greatly emphasized. The Methodist Church has made every endeavour to introduce and preach Jesus Christ to the people.

The aim was to awaken men and women to an urgent knowledge of their sin and unworthiness, to persuade them to repent, to turn to God for His mercy. Methodism to a certain extent has succeeded in bringing all races together and has also revealed that all people are brothers and sisters irrespective of any differences.

Today the Methodist all over the world treasure their sense of brotherhood and to-getherness. Traditionally, the Church has taken its stand with the poor and less privileged.

It has spearheaded the temperance movement intensifying its cause and giving maximum co-operation and assistance to the Government to combat the drinking habit. Similarly the Church has condemned all forms of gambling.

History reveals that Moratuwa is an area where Methodism flourished. Methodists of Moratuwa have played a vital role in protecting the principles, values and doctrines.

The fact that around twelve Methodist Chruches have been created is a witness to this statement. Several Priests and church leaders are products of Moratuwa. The annual Conference of the Methodist Church takes stock of the services and ministries affected. At his assembly the work done is assessed and critically analyzed.

Further, the assembly plans out serious positions regarding the work for the future year and methods of execution. Several decisions which would influence the religious, cultural and social life of the entire island. Special emphasis will be laid on:

a) Broadening the Social witness of the church thereby bridging the gap between the church and society,
(b) The mission related to the care of Children,
(c) To provide relief measures to all sufferings as a result of the conflict in the North and East,
(d) The Church’s role in promoting national and religious unity,
(e) Providing maximum relief to those affected by tsunami in the form of shelter, livelihood and education.

This year’s Conference will be presided over by the Head of the Church Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph. Since taking over the leadership of the Church in the year 2005, this young priest has discovered new avenues of Christian Witness and service.

He has come out with new ideas to take the Church forward with progressive steps. Realizing the fact that Methodism is a pragmatic church, Rev. Joseph’s thinking of enlarging the vision and inspiring the mission is highly acclaimed by all.

M.A. Sumanthiran, a leading lawyer of the country will function as the Vice President of the Church.

The country and the church need dedicated honest people who are ready to give their best in service. As the church move to the future the people must always remain active, energetic and flexible. The Church needs more dedicated men and women to keep the flame burning bright.

Holy Quran and modern science

M.Y.M. Meeadh

HOLY QURAN: “There is, perhaps, no better illustration of the close links between Islam and science than the Prophet’s Hadith.

“Seek science, even in China” which is a veritable invitation to man to enrich his knowledge,” says Dr. Maurice Bucaille in his research book titled “The Quran and modern science”.

Though the Prophet Muhammad was not a scientist in the modern sense of the word, He gained the knowledge of science through the revelation of the Quran.

Since the Quran frequently referred to scientific concepts of astronomy, biology, chemistry, medicine, embryology, geography etc, Prophet Muhammad (sal) encouraged His companions to learn science wherever taught in order to understand the Quranic concepts of science.

The above short Hadith is a reminder to all the Muslims and non-Muslims about the necessity of learning science wherever it is taught not only in China but also in any part of the world. So, the Quran as a book of guidance to mankind guides man to seek science to adopt his life to the scientific ways.

According to Dr. Maurice Bucaille, Islam considers religion and science as twin sisters. In his view after deep study of the Quran at a time when science has taken great strides, several Quranic texts can be well understood by using certain scientific data.

He also expresses his conclusion after a comprehensive examination of the Quranic texts that the discoveries of science, in an objective examination of the Islamic revelation have highlighted the supernatural nature of certain aspects of the revelation.

The Quran contains precise data which are directly related to facts discovered by modern science: These wonderful, genuine scientific references found here and there in the Quran have attracted the modern scientists.

As Dr. Maurice thinks, man did not possess sufficient scientific means for many centuries to study the scientific truths revealed in the Quran. It is only in the recent times that several verses of the Holy Quran dealing with natural phenomena have become comprehensible.

Dr. Maurice explains that there are some very rare examples of statements in the Quran which have not yet been confirmed by modern science. An example of this is the statement in the Quran that life is of aquatic origin; another is that somewhere in the universe there are earths similar to our own.

Let us refer to the Quranic verse 21:30. “We made from water every living thing. This emphasises the scientific truth that life is of aquatic origin. In another Quranic verse 24:45, Allah says: “Allah created every animal from water”.

The Quranic reference to the other earths in the universe has recently been proved by modern scientists. They have discovered such new earths in the universe through the latest telescopes.”

Further, the Quran does not lay down a sequence for the creation of the earth and heavens. It refers both to the heavens before the earth and the earth before the heavens when it speaks of the creation in general, as in this verse of the Chapter Taha.

“(God) who created the earth and the high heavens” (20:4). In fact, the notion to be derived from the Quran is one of a concomitance in the celestial and terrestrial evolutions.

There are also absolutely fundamental data concerning the existence of an initial gaseous mass (dukhan) which is unique and whose elements although at first fused together subsequently became separated.

This notion is expressed in the Sura Fussilat: God turned to heaven when it was smoke” (41:11) and the same is expressed in the Surah Al-Anbiya: “Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then we clove them asunder?”. (21:30)

The separation process resulted in the formation of multiple worlds, a notion which crops up dozens of times in the Quran, once it has formed the first verse in the Sura Al-Fathiha. “Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds”. (1:1)

All this is in perfect agreement with modern ideas on the existence of primary nebula and the process of secondary separation of the elements that has formed the initial unique mass. This separation resulted in the formation of galaxies and then when these divided of stars from which the planets were to be born.

Thus, the Quran contains many verses that are to be related to modern astronomical and other branches of science. Let us study the Quran in order to find its relevance to modern science.

Nikini Festival at Shri Munnesweram Ishwaran Kovil, Chilaw

Text and pics by Christie Fernando, Chilaw special Correspondent

Shri Munnesweram Kovil, Chilaw

Sivalingam enshrined in the main temple

Munnesweram: Munnesweram by and large a peaceful and serene hamlet 1.5 miles to the east of Chilaw sited in the midst of lavish paddy fields and placid tanks - tantalizing and bewitching countryside and tranquil environment comes alive from a long-drawn-out slumber - during this carousing, festive season with rituals akin to Hindu tradition, with the celebrations of the annual Nikini Maha Festival at Shri Munnesweram Ishwara Maha Devale, Chilaw, which commenced with the flag-hoisting ceremony on 1st August this year.

The festival culminates in a fitting finale with pomp and pageantry with the Water-cutting Ceremony at Deduru Oya two miles off Chilaw on Nikini full moon Poya day, Tuesday 28 August at 12.00 noon though other rituals and ceremonies continue till Sunday 2nd September.

The traditional ‘perahera’ wends its way from Deduru Oya with the Great Chariot carrying the deities and stops in the heart of Chilaw in front of the Chilaw Urban Council, where beating of drums, sounding of trumpets and gleeful ‘Kavadi’ dancing and merriment continue unabated for about one hour and then make a beeline to the promenade of the Chilaw beach for more festivities with verve and exuberance before returning to the temple proper at Munnesweram late after midnight ... and the hamlet of Munnesweram - returns to its customary slumber - to wake up expectantly and in anticipation, the succeeding year.

The rituals performed at the Munnesweram Kovil are unique and unparalleled compared to other ritualistic ceremonies performed in well-known temples in the island, in that, the devotees are seen keeping vigil in the precincts of the temple, engrossed in prayer and contemplation, repenting with remorse for their sins and omissions. Some penitents are seen lying prostrate or walking about with their flesh pierced with spikes and darts - and ashes sprinkled on their foreheads in penitence and atonement .....

Offerings of devotees are placed in front of the deities by the officiating Hindu Priests at the sanctuary. Another conspicuous hallmark of the gifts offered by devotees is the dashing of coconuts in the periphery of the temple. The Priests also chant incantations and chanting to the deities on behalf of Hindu and other adherents.

The main temple at Munnesweram has been revamped, largely due to the munificence and largesse of dedicated devotees, who make their peregrination to the temple annually to invoke and implore divine assistance and answers to their prayers.

It is well known that adherents from all walks of life, especially Hindus, visit this august shrine to seek favours.

In the days of yore, visitors to Chilaw during the festive season at Munnesweram, will recall and hark back to the carnival atmosphere that prevailed with a variety of shows, open-air theatre and entertainment in Chilaw to attract crowds. Nevertheless, the hurly-burly atmosphere and the climate of amusement and enjoyment are galore for the youths and kids.

The young and old revel the colourful extravaganza in the area with joy and admire the manifold sundry items exhibited for sale. Vendors exhibit their merchandise and wares of all sorts at the temple premises.

However, this busy thoroughfare is restricted to either side of the road, leading to the temple - and the merry-go-round opened to regale the youth, indubitably detracts the religious fervour of the festival.

It is evident however to the casual visitor that many fancy stalls leased out for the festive month of celebrations are lined or bordered close to the main temple to lure the crowds, without which, the festive air, the joyful atmosphere and cheer would be absent.

The gala atmosphere is there to perpetuate the spirit of the Festival. Hence the kavadi’ dancing and pageantry during the peraheras are performed to the delight of visitors. Reminiscing about the legend connected with the festival the reputed Munnesweram Hindu Shrine is regarded as one of the oldest Hindu temples in the island.

It has a strange origin according to the legend and Rama after slaying Ravana was returning to India with Sita in his “Air Chariot”, when impulsively a desperate feeling of guilt gripped him.

It is also said that when passing Munnesweram in his air chariot, he espied a spire of the temple and decided to alight and worship there and while praying, Lord Siva and His consort Parasathy appeared before him and feeling compassion for the penitent Rama, ordered him to enshrine three Sivalingams, one in each of the most sacred places namely Muunesweram, Konesweram and Thiruketheesweram.

Lord Siva, according to legend had pointed to a place north of the Mayavan Aru (Mee Oya) and told him to enshrine the relic.

And Rama built the temple at the exact spot, which is now known as Munnesweram. This festival is shrouded in antiquity. According to legend, one full-moon night, in the month of Nikini, a sage who was meditating under a banyan tree looked up and saw goddess Amman, the mother of Skanda, who readily granted him his wishes.

He had asked her to bless all the pilgrims assembled there for worship, and ever afterwards, that August full moon night, a great festival is held in memory of the meeting of Agastiar, the sage and Amman, and is continued to this day.

Only a stone’s throw away from the main temple is Thiru Adi Kali temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Devotees who make vows to goddess Kali were known to show results instantly. For, she is believed to punish the wrongdoers; lost articles are found through her intercession. Devotees also visit this temple seeking favours from her.

A police post is opened every year at Munnesweram to maintain law and order in the area. The police patrol the area day and night to curb any unruly behaviour and hooliganism.

Police prevent pick-pocketing and harassment to devotees right round the clock. The festival which began with the flag-hoisting ceremony on 1st August is a hive of activity for over thirty days. It comes to a close on September 2 with the Bhairava Pooja.

Sick Day at Tewatta-August 26

The Shrine of Our Lady of Sri Lanka, the National Basilica, Tewatta,Ragama, will be the venue for the 66th year Annual Sick Day Healing Service. This year the blessing of the sick will be on Sunday, August 26 and the theme of the day will be “Lord Heal us and Our Motherland”.

On this day there will be Holy Masses at the Shrine from 5.00 am to 11 am.

There will be Holy Masses in English at 9.00 am; in Tamil at 10.00 am and a Holy Mass for those come late at 5.00 pm.

The Solemn Healing and Prayer Service will commence at 2.00 pm presided over by Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka Archbishop Most. Rev. Dr. Mario Zenari. Colombo Archbishop Most. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Archbishop-Emeritus Most Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando, Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, Trincomalee/Batticaloa Bishop Rt.Rev.Dr.Kingsley Swamipillai and Colombo Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and Episcopal Vicars will attend the ceremony.