Todayonline - Voices: Rev doesn't speak for church (Jul 19)

Rev doesn't speak for church

Dr Yap's views are only official if he gets green light from Church body

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Letter from Daniel Koh Kah Soon

I refer to the article, "On Section 377A ..." (July 16) by Nazry Bahrawi. The article quotes the opinions of Reverend Dr Yap Kim Hao, a former Methodist bishop, on the controversial issue of retaining Section 377A of the Penal Code.

In the report, it should have been noted that Rev Dr Yap has not claimed to speak on behalf of the Methodist Church of Singapore. The report also does not state clearly if Rev Dr Yap's opinion was a personal one.

Because of this, the public may form the mistaken impression (as some have already done) that Rev Dr Yap was expressing the official views of the Methodist Church.

As a Methodist I wish to inform the public that no one is allowed to speak on behalf of the Methodist Church.

They can only do so if they are authorised by the General Conference of the Methodist Church of Singapore.

Dr Yap has every right to express his personal opinion.

However, unless Rev Dr Yap has received permission from the Methodist Church, the public should note that his opinions do not represent those of the Church.