I would like to comment on the complaints by Francis Siva, the President of the Independent Living & Training Centre, and the letter by PH 2003 in response to the issues raised.

From Francis Siva's recollection of the incident - if it is to be taken as an honest account - I have identified a few areas that I trust, Father Michael Cheah indeed owes the six disabled persons a sincere apology:

  • As a Christian, Fr Cheah had failed to introduce himself to the ILTC folk; instead of offering them Christian greetings and hospitality, he approached them in a "very hostile manner", and was rude;

  • By bursting into temper and started accusing them as "liars", Fr Cheah behaved in a manner unbecoming of his position as a shepherd to the sheep;

  • The six persons duly apologised for the miscommunication, but Fr Cheah refused to listen. I call on Francis Siva to furnish the public with exact details as to what kinds of harsh and unkind words had been uttered;

  • It is written in the Bible that one shall not sin while in anger. However, consumed in wrath, Fr Cheah asked the police to "forcibly push" the six persons out of the church compound, and showed no concern and care to the fact that they were wheelchair-bound;

  • Finally, the police, rather than the Christian leader, were compassionate and refused to give in to Fr Cheah's demand. I am afraid the legalistic righteousness of the latter may have caused the non-believers to fall.

    • If Fr Cheah happens to read this letter, I would be more than ready to hear his views on a pillar teaching of Apostle St. Paul: 'Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.' (Colossians 3:12)

    As for PH 2003's reply, I gather the impression that the parishioner at St Anne Church's is a right-minded member of the public who adheres to law and order.

    My question is: as a believer in God, when does he think mercy and love shall take precedence over human rules and regulations?

    I agree that rules and regulations are needed to ensure orderly running of things in life. But one must not be too legalistic as to commit injustices to even those caught on the wrong side of law.

    The ILTC folk may have committed trespass on the church compound, but their wrong clearly cannot be made right with their humiliation by a Catholic priest.