On 6th February 2026, the Anglican Communion joyfully celebrated the installation of the Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Soe Chee Cheng as the 6th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. The Installation service was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur, and presided over by the Most Revd. Dr. Titus Chung, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in South East Asia and Bishop of Singapore.
The occasion was graced by the Honorable Minister of National Unity, YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang while the Catholic Church of Malaysia was represented by HE Cardinal Dato’ Seri Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, together with Archbishop Julian Leow of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Rev. Mathew Punnoose, General-Secretary of the Bible Society of Malaysia alongside distinguished guest from other Christian denominations.
Archbishop Titus Chong solemnly inducted Bishop Stephen Soe through prayer and led him to the Episcopal Seat, at which moment the church bells tolled thirty-nine times, signifying adherence to the 39 Articles of Religion of the Anglican Church. Bishop Stephen Soe then received the blessings along with the Holy Bible and the Diocesan Pastoral Staff. Following this, Archbishop Titus offered a prayer of consecration for Bishop Soe, who was subsequently presented to the congregation as the duly installed 6th Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia. The Gospel was read by Rt. Revd. Danald Jute, Bishop of Kuching.
In the sermon, Bishop Stephen Soe reflected deeply on the nature of the ministry of leadership within the Church, drawing inspiration from the Gospel reading of John 21:15–19. In this passage, the risen Christ commissions Peter with the words that emphasize: “Do you love Me? - “Feed My sheep” – “You will be carried where you do not wish to go”- “Follow Me”.
Bishop Stephen reminded the faithful that this text reveals the essence of Christian leadership: a ministry rooted in the foundation of love and commitment to Christ, expressed through the responsibility of shepherding His flock. To serve, lead and care in the Church is not merely an office but a vocation—one that demands perseverance in feeding Christ’s sheep even in moments of disappointment, conflict, or exhaustion. He emphasized that this calling is marked by both joy and sacrifice. To serve in God’s Kingdom is to embrace the cross, recognizing it as both a sacred call and the gift of true discipleship. We may be taken to places we do not wish to go, but it is in these places that God’s glory is revealed. The leadership ministry in the Church, is the path of martyrdom. Bishop Stephen humbly appealed to the congregation: “Please pray for me, my fellow clergy, deaconesses, and leaders of the Diocese of West Malaysia. Bishop Stephen will continue pastoring the four focus areas of Discipleship, Church Planting & Mission, Leadership Development of both Men and Women and Social Concern Ministry.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis expressed that Bishop Stephen Soe will be deeply missed in Penang, affirming his humble spirit and describing him as a true pastor after the Heart of Christ. He highlighted Bishop Steven’s steadfast commitment to discipleship – a hallmark of his ministry that has touched many lives and strengthened the Church. “My prayers and Blessings are with him” Cardinal Sebastian added warmly.
Archbishop Julian Leow reflected on the installation as both a joyful and historic moment, emphasizing the significance of witnessing Bishop’s Stephen formal appointment. He prayed that God would continue to bless Bishop Stephen as he assumes the responsibility of shepherding the Anglican faithful – an office he received following the symbolic handing over of the Diocesan Staff by Bishop Dr. Steven Abbarow during the Thanksgiving celebration a day earlier. “May the Lord Bless the Anglican Church as we strive for greater Unity among ourselves and with the wider society we live in,” Archbishop Julian reflected.
In a historic moment for Anglican-Catholic relations, on 23rd October 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla join Pope Leo XIV in the Sistine Chapel for Midday Prayer. For the first time since the Reformation, the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England prayed together, marking the first time in 500 years that the Pope prayed alongside the King of England.
By Christopher Kushi
