Bishop receives title in religious regalia

Gracious: Sultan Sharafuddin sharing a light moment with Rev Bolly.

KLANG: Respecting all religions is important to Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Reflective of this was his request for Archbishop of South-East Asia’s Anglican Church and Bishop of Kuching Reverend Datuk Bolly Lapok to come in his religious ceremonial dress for the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Ruler’s 71st birthday yesterday.

Sultan Sharafuddin made the request through his close friend Datuk Richard Curtis who in turn relayed the message to Rev Bolly, who received the Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Selangor (DPMS), which comes with the title Datuk.

“It was very gracious of His Royal Highness to allow me to use my bishop’s regalia, the cross, the colour purple and collar,” said Rev Bolly, who also had his bishop’s headgear on.

Rev Bolly said he was honoured to receive the DPMS, which he considered not just a personal honour but also to the church and Sarawak.

Rev Bolly said he was very grateful to the Sultan for having intervened in the 2014 Bible controversy, which paved the way for the matter to be settled amicably.