Churches’ council invites Umno man for dialogue after ‘priest and nun’ joke

The Council of Churches of Malaysia has extended an invitation for interfaith dialogue to Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said following his controversial joke involving a Catholic priest and a nun. The council deemed the widespread criticism of Umno division leader's comments as justified, given his remarks had no place in Malaysia's multireligious and multiracial society.

Despite welcoming Noorazli's apology for his remarks, the council emphasized that reconciliation can only be achieved through willingness to come together, sit at the same table, and offer grace to one another. They hope that genuine reconciliation can be reached through a fruitful conversation to exchange views on how to strengthen interfaith relationships in the country, extending the invitation to other elected representatives, community leaders, and faith leaders who believe in the importance of peace, mutual respect, and reconciliation for a progressive and prosperous Malaysia.

Noorazli had made the "joke" during a speech at the Umno general assembly earlier this month, erroneously attributing a verse to Psalm 129. The incident led to 86 police reports lodged against him, prompting several Umno leaders to demand an apology. Noorzali apologized on Monday, and the federal police referred their investigation paper to the Attorney-General's Chambers.