STORY AND PICTURES BY PETER TEO

PRESIDENT S. R. Nathan extended a special and rare privilege to 30 visiting Asian Methodist Bishops when he hosted a tea party for them as they paid a courtesy call on him at the Istana on the morning of March 15, 2004.


Led by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon, the Bishops, in their clerical wear and jackets, were ferried by a 44-seater coach through the Istana main gate on Orchard Road up the ceremonial driveway.

As the coach came to a halt at the Ceremonial Plaza at 11.10 am, the Bishops stopped their bantering and laughter and trooped out of the coach excited at the prospect of meeting Singapore's Head of State. They were met by President Nathan's Aide-De-Camp, Major Andy Yun, and led to the Reception Room across the State Room.

They were visibly awed by the chandeliers, paintings and other pieces of ornaments as they resumed chatting while waiting for the arrival of President Nathan.

At 11.25 am, they formed a horseshoe to await his arrival. At 11.30 on the dot, President Nathan, accompanied by Major Yun, appeared. He was greeted by Bishop Dr Solomon, who then introduced the Bishops, one by one, to him. First to be introduced was Bishop Datuk Dr Peter Chio Sing Ching of The Methodist Church in Malaysia.
Bishop Dr Solomon presenting a copy of Sparks of Grace, published by
The Methodist Church in Singapore, to President Nathan.


The introductions over, President Nathan invited his visitors to tea. Immediately they felt at home; such was his warmth.


Wearing a light grey suit with a matching silvery grey tie, he mingled freely with the Bishops. He was pleased to learn that Bishops from some Asean countries were present.


Following requests from the Bishops, President Nathan readily agreed to pose for photographs with them. He was all smiles as camera flashes popped from all directions.


Before His Excellency took his leave at noon, Bishop Dr Solomon presented him with a copy of Sparks of Grace: The Story of Methodism in Asia, which was published last December by The Methodist Church in Singapore. The book was written by Dr Robbie Goh of the National University of Singapore. He is a member Cairnhill Methodist Church.


Without exception, every Bishop expressed great appreciation for President Nathan's gesture in hosting the tea party. What was to have been a courtesy call extended to a morning high tea as well.


Bishop Benjamin Aliwan Justo of the Philippines told Methodist Message: "It was indeed a wonderful privilege to meet the Head of State of one of the world's most successful nations. Not every Head of State is prepared to meet a group of religious leaders like us.

"Our meeting with the President of Singapore indicates to us that there is a very good relationship between the leadership of The Methodist Church in Singapore and the national leadership of your country. This speaks well of the current leadership of The Methodist Church in Singapore headed by your Bishop Solomon."

Bishop Samuel R. Thomas of India said: "All of us are very appreciative of the hospitality of The Methodist Church in Singapore and all the planning that went behind the staging of the Fellowship of Asian Methodist Bishops meeting. The courtesy call on your President, for example, was well organised.


A rare photograph for keep's sake: President Nathan and the Asian Methodist Bishops posing at the "Grand
Staircase" outside the Reception Room.

"I think your President is a very humane person. He has no airs about him. We felt very comfortable with him, and he made us feel very much at home with him."
Indonesia's Bishop Bachtiar Kwee said: "It was a wonderful surprise to be invited to meet the President of Singapore. It was a special privilege. The President is a simple man, and he is very friendly."


The Rev Ralph Lee, President of The Methodist Church, Hong Kong, said: "We had a very interesting meeting with the President of Singapore at the Istana. He moved around and showed interest in what we are doing. We know that it is unusual for the President to meet us, and we are very grateful for that."

Bishop Kim Jin Ho of South Korea (standing) giving his country report at the FAMB meeting.