YOUR report ('Rise of the megachurches'; July 17), and in
particular its reference to Pastor Joseph Prince's father as 'an
often drunk Sikh priest...', displayed an unacceptable disregard
for minority religions in Singapore.
It is entirely up to Pastor Prince to decide how he wishes to
describe his own father. But a national newspaper in a country
which prides itself on racial and religious harmony should have
known better than to report it.
When a mainstream newspaper reports such a comment, it conveys a
false caricature of Sikh priests as drunkards and irresponsible
fathers. It also suggests that there was good reason for Pastor
Prince to convert from Sikhism to another religion.
The report could have simply mentioned that his father was a
drunkard. There was absolutely no reason for the reference to the
father's religion.
The report has hurt the feelings of the Sikh community in
Singapore.
Surjit Singh
Chairman, Sikh Advisory Board
___________________________________
EDITOR'S NOTE: We are sorry the reference to Pastor
Joseph Prince's father has caused offence and hurt the feelings of
the Sikh community. That was never our intention and we apologise
for the error of judgment.
what is there to apologize for ? .......
the apology should come from the chap who said it ...... not the
newspaper who just printed what he said .....
