APRIL 11 ― Just like other religions, charity and compassion have been at the centre of Christian faith. Reaching out to the poor and marginalised has always been at the core of Christianity.

A strong sense of social justice is a very important component of this belief and we are taught at an early age that speaking up against wrong-doings, especially when it is being done to the weak, is a requirement of our faith.

The Bible and Sunday school in-grains in us that Jesus Christ also came for the sinners even though he was constantly criticised by the high priests and elite for fraternising and dining with outcasts and the ostracised such as tax collectors and women of ill repute.

So apart from Sunday worship, the Christian community from all denominations is also involved in various outreach programmes: soup kitchens for the poor; urban poverty eradication programmes like providing school transport; Orang Asli land and health rights; educational rights for migrant children; preaching to convicts via prison ministries and raising awareness for the plight of refugees.

Another component which makes some people ― Christians included ― uneasy is the need to speak up against injustice; something Jesus himself did over 2,000 years ago.

He spoke up against the hypocrisy of the high priests and politicians, famously telling those who have not sinned to "cast the first stone.”

Which is why when the Church organises voter registration drives and talks and forums on current issues including Shariah amendments and criticises the government of the day for some of its policies, it is viewed as the Church taking a partisan view.

Yes it would help to address this perception if Church leaders also make it a point to be vocal about issues involving the other side of the political divide. There is enough fodder to admonish them for their own policies and hypocrisy as well as reneging on their promises.

This is the point when you the reader might be asking: "What is he getting at?”

Well, Christian values are universal. As it is Holy Week which culminates in Easter this Sunday, it is a good reminder that our values as multi-faith Malaysians and regular decent folk are similar.

No one gets to ring fence good deeds and social justice initiatives and put a religious sticker on it.

But perhaps what makes some people uncomfortable with Christian outreach programmes is the evangelisticl nature of Christianity, which is similar to dakwah in Islam.

However, the historically structured churches such as the Catholic institution have a long and complex initiation process that takes at least a year.

Contrary to what some may tell you, it takes a lot more than drinking holy water and saying three Hail Marys to become a Christian.

Christians in Malaysia have been extremely cautious about not wearing their religious caps when rendering aid to non-Christians, especially Muslims. And to the credit of those on the receiving end of Christian generousity, they have always viewed the gesture with gratitude not suspicion.

It is usually third parties that spread hate and distrust which causes problems. A Catholic priest may be busy cleaning a flood-hit home in Kelantan and all it takes is for his concealed crucifix to peek out of his shirt for all hell to break lose.

Granted there are overly-enthusiastic members of the congregation who take the term "spread the good news of the Lord” literally and indiscriminately, but there are many ways to deal with this in a peaceful and concealed manner.

In most instances, the churches regulate themselves and each other, drawing a line in the sand that should not be crossed in a multi-cultural society like ours.

It is an understanding that has allowed Christianity to continue to thrive in this country which is probably the reason for the rise in issues of late that has seen the religion under attack ― in many instances, stirred by ignorance and motivated by politics.

It is bad enough that of late, minority faiths have had to deal with the prospect of global terrorism, as well as many restrictions in exercising their basic rights in a country that is supposed to be an example of successful multi-faith integration.

The alleged sinister motives regarding the disappearance of two pastors since November is a reminder that minorities have probably arrived at a new threshold where they need to seek divine inspiration when it comes to exercising their faith and professing their religious values under menacing circumstances.

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.