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Valentines Day not religious celebration, say Msia churches
[Straits Times] VALENTINE'S Day is a secular observance that is not celebrated religiously by churches in Malaysia or worldwide, said the Council of Churches of Malaysia.Its general secretary Reverend Dr Herman Shastri said the National Fatwa Council had erred when it referred to Valentine's Day as a Christian observance and has hurt the feelings of Christians in Malaysia. 'To suggest that Valentine's Day is observed by Christians is unfair and misleading. 'Although the word 'Valentine' draws some connection to St Valentine, the church's authorities have not endorsed the connection, be it Roman Catholic or Protestant,' he said in a statement in reference to an article on Valentine's Day posted on the website of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim). The website described Valentine's Day as: 'The practice of celebrating the day of love (Valentine's Day) has not been recommended by Islam. (The) spirit (of the) festival has elements of Christianity and the practice is mixed with immoral acts (and) are prohibited by Islam that clearly contradicts the belief, Sharia and Islamic morality. Therefore, Mohammedans are prohibited from engaging in celebrating the day.' Dr Shastri said the council appealed to the authorities to repeal such hurting inferences that Christianity promotes sexual promiscuity because of Valentine's Day observance, often made in the media and in the said Fatwa. Posted by: Fred 2011-02-12 |
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