Diocese of Kuching explained

Incumbent:	Danald Jute
Province:	South East Asia
Established:	1855, current establishment in 1962
Cathedral:	St. Thomas' Cathedral
First Incumbent:	Francis Thomas McDougall
Diocese:	Kuching

The Diocese of Kuching is a diocese of the Anglican Church of the Province of South East Asia that covers Sarawak (in Malaysia) and Brunei. Founded in 1962, the see was originally established as the Bishopric of Sarawak linked to the Diocese of Labuan in 1855.^[1] The current bishop is the Right Rev'd Danald Jute, 14th Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Kuching and Brunei, who was consecrated on 13 August 2017.^[2] His seat is at St. Thomas' Cathedral, Kuching.^[2]

History

The first sixty years

An Anglican mission, called the Borneo Church Mission, was established in 1846 and the Anglican Church began in Sarawak on 29 June 1848, when a party of missionaries arrived at the invitation of James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak.^{[1] [3]} Francis Thomas McDougall who led the group was deemed suitable for the job because he was a doctor as well as a priest.^{[4] [5]}

The Rajah gave the missionaries a piece of land on which to build their base. The land was used to build a church, which was to serve as pro-cathedral for many years, as well as a school which later grew into St. Thomas' and St. Mary's, and also a dispensary.^[1]

It was soon realised that the Church in the Rajah's territory would be better administered as a bishopric.^[1] The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel supported the proposal and contributed a sum of £5,000 towards the endowment. However, the political conventions of the day ruled that no Anglican diocese could be created outside the limits of the British Empire, and Sarawak was technically an independent principality of the Rajah.^[1] The difficulty was sidestepped by founding the diocese upon the island of Labuan, a Crown Colony since 1846.^{[1] [6]} The bishop of Labuan could then be appointed bishop of Sarawak by the Rajah. This practice prevailed until Sarawak became a Crown Colony in 1946.^[1]

Letters Patent were issued on 6 August 1855, erecting the "Island of Labuan and its Dependencies into a Bishop's See or Diocese to be styled the Bishopric of Labuan."^[7] McDougall was nominated by the Crown as the first bishop, and was consecrated on 18 October 1855 in Calcutta. On 1 January 1856 he was appointed bishop of Sarawak.^[8]

The linked diocese of Labuan and bishopric of Sarawak increased in size as the principality grew and Anglican work in North Borneo and Brunei developed.^[1] It extended further when, by an Act of Parliament in 1869, the Church in the Straits Settlements (Singapore, Penang and Malacca) was separated from the see of Calcutta and placed under the episcopal care of the bishop of Labuan.^[1] This arrangement lasted until 1909, when the diocese of Singapore was founded.^[9]

The first sixty years of the Church in Borneo were a chronicle of effort, disappointment and service by priests and lay missionaries. Asian workers played an increasingly larger part as time passed because the formation of a truly indigenous church had been intended from the beginning.^[1]

20th century and today

After 1909, when the bishop could concentrate on Borneo alone, a new era in the Church began. Three decades of growth and development followed, with the longed-for ordination of Dayak and Chinese clergy in increasing numbers.^[1]

After the devastation of World War II the diocese of Labuan and the bishopric of Sarawak were joined into the diocese of Borneo and in 1949 Nigel Cornwall was consecrated bishop.^[1] His immediate task was to restore the ruins of the churches, schools and other mission property destroyed during the years of the Japanese occupation.^[1] 1953 saw the construction of the new St. Thomas' Cathedral to replace the leaky wooden edifice built by McDougall.^[10] Men prepared for ordination at the House of the Epiphany (established in 1952) provided nine new priests for the area in 1956.^[1]

By 1962 plans were completed for the division of the diocese of Borneo.^{[1] [11]} The new diocese of Jesselton (Sabah) including Labuan came into being on 24 July 1962.^{[1] [11]} The remainder of the diocese, including Brunei, was reconstituted as the Diocese of Kuching on 13 August 1962.^{[1] [11]} Nigel Cornwall continued as Bishop.^{[1] [11]}

The limits of the Diocese are those of the present administrative divisions of the State of Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam together with that part of Indonesian Borneo lying North of the equator, and West of longitude 115 º42’.^[1]

On 7 April 1970 the diocese of West Malaysia was formed to separate that region from Singapore.^[12]

The present Bishop is the Right Reverend Danald Jute, who is the 14th Lord Bishop of Kuching since 1855, when the diocese was first created.^[2]

List of Bishops

Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak
From	Until	Incumbent	Notes
1856	1869	Francis McDougall
Bishops of Labuan, Sarawak and Singapore
From	Until	Incumbent	Notes
1869	1881	Walter Chambers	Churches in the Straits Settlements separated from the Diocese of Calcutta and placed under the Diocese of Labuan and Sarawak. Diocese renamed Diocese of Labuan, Sarawak and Singapore.
1882	1908	George Hose
Bishops of Labuan and Sarawak
From	Until	Incumbent	Notes
1909	1916	Robert Mounsey	Churches in Singapore were separated from the Diocese to form its own Diocese of Singapore. The Diocese reverted to the name of Diocese of Labuan and Sarawak.
1917	1931	Logie Danson	Returned to England as Assistant Bishop of Carlisle; later Bishop of Edinburgh and Primus
1932	1937	Noel Hudson
1938	1948	Francis Hollis	Returned to England as Assistant Bishop of Leicester
Bishop of Borneo
From	Until	Incumbent	Notes
1948	1962	Nigel Cornwall	The diocese was renamed the Diocese of Borneo and included Anglican missions in Kalimantan.
Bishops of Kuching
From	Until	Incumbent	Notes
1963	1968	Nicholas Allenby	The diocese was separated into the Diocese of Kuching and the Diocese of Jesselton (later renamed the Diocese of Sabah); David Howard Nicholas Allenby was consecrated bishop 30 November 1962 by Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, at Southwark Cathedral; later Assistant Bishop of Worcester
1968	1984	Basil Temenggong	The first native Malaysian and Sarawakian to be appointed as bishop. After Temenggong died suddenly, the former Assistant Bishop of Kuching, Peter Howes, returned to be the acting Bishop.^[13]
1985	1995	John Leong Chee Yun
1996	2007	Made Katib
2007	2017	Bolly Lapok	Archbishop of South East Asia, 2012–2016. Aeries Sumping Jingan and Solomon Cheong were assistant Bishops of Kuching
2017	present	Danald Jute	Current incumbent since 2017. Nelson Ugas and Andy Shie are assistant Bishops of Kuching
Sources: ^[14] ^[15] ^[16] ^[17] ^[18] ^[19] ^[20]

Archdeaconries

The diocese is divided into five distinct archdeaconries.

• Archdeaconry of Northern Sarawak (established 17/12/1969)

- Incharge by: The.Venerable Archdeacon Phillip Tauk

• Archdeaconry of Central Sarawak (formed in 2007)

- The.Venerable Archdeacon Jackson Jarau Unggin (retired as Archdeacon of Central Sarawak on 2024)

- Incharge by: The.Venerable Archdeacon Tony Jilat

• Archdeaconry of Upper South Sarawak (established 17/7/2022)

- Incharge by: The.Venerable Archdeacon Ramdan Mejem

• Archdeaconry of Upper Central Sarawak

- Incharge by: The.Venerable Archdeacon Jose Jol Endru

• Archdeaconry of Lower South Sarawak

- Incharge by: The.Venerable Archdeacon Joseph Dusit

Parishes

Parishes in Sarawak, Malaysia

Source:^[21]

• St. Thomas' Cathedral, Kuching, McDougall Road, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Mathew's Church, Mundai, 24th. Mile Kuching/Serian Road, 94200 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Faith's Church, Kuching, Chawan Road, Kenyalang Park, P.O. Box 976, 93720 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Paul's Church, Siol Kandis, Petra Jaya, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. James's Church, Kuap, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Francis's Church, Samarahan, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Philip's Church, Padawan, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Paul's Church, Bunuk, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. John's Church, Taee, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Maria's Church, Abok, P.O. Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Luke's Church, Sri Aman, Sabu Road, P.O. Box 220, 95008 Sri Aman, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Francis's Church, Lundu, Jalan Sekambal, 94500 Lundu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Stephen's Church, Simunjan, Jalan Sabun, Peti Surat 3, 94800 Simunjan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Michael's Church, Engkilili, Jalan Belon ak. Upak, 95800 Engkilili, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Philip's Church, Lubok Antu, 95900 Sri Aman, Sarawak, Malaysia
• St. Augustine's Church, Betong, Jalan Datuk Basil Temenggong, 95700 Betong, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Helen's Church, Serian, P.O. Box 81, 94700, Serian, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Christopher's Church, Debak, 95500 Debak, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Peter's Church, Saratok, P.O. Box 24, 95400 Saratok, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. John's Church, Sibu, Jalan Tun Abg. Hj. Openg, P.O. Box 1315, 96008 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Thomas' Church, Bintulu, P.O. Box 120, 97007 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Boniface's Church, Mamut, c/o St. Giles' Chapel, P.O. Box 57, 98200 Batu Niah, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Columba's Church, Miri, P.O. Box 233, 98007 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• The Church of Good Shepherd, Lutong, P.O. Box 423, 98107 Lutong, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Mark's Church, Limbang, P.O. Box 107, 98707 Limbang, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• Tabuan Jaya Anglican Church, No.262, Lorong Song 1, Tabuan Heights, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• All Saints' Church, Tabuan, P.O.Box 347,93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
• St. Basil's Church, Siol Kandis, P.O.Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
• St. Matthew's Church, Batu Kawa, Sungai Maong, Survey Lot 3573, Lot 2520, Fl.1, SL 5, Jalan Sungai Maong Utama, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak.
• St. Simon's Church, Malihah, Synergy Square, Matang Jaya, Jln.Matang, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.
• St.Margaret's Church, Stampin, Kampung Stampin, Off Taman BDC, Jalan Stutong, 93350, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• Christ Church, Stunggang, Kampung Stunggang Dayak 94500 Lundu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• All Saints' Anglican Church, Bengoh Resettlement Scheme (BRS)
• St. Mary's Church, Kandis Lama, Bau, c/o P.O.Box 347, 93704, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Lawrence's Church, Sabu, Sri Aman, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Stephen's Church, Pantu, P.O.Box 347, 93704 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Benedict's Church, Skrang, 95800, Engkilili, Skrang, Betong Division, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Paul's Church, Roban, 95300, Bahagian Betong, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Alban's Church, Sarikei, C/O P.O.Box 424, 965507 Bintangor, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• St. Giles's Church, Batu Niah, P.O.Box 57, 98200 Batu Niah, Miri, Sarawak.
• St. Barnabas's Church, Miri, Lot 4885, Jalan Rejang 4, Jalan Sibu, 98000, Taman Tunku, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• Holy Trinity Church, Lambir, Lot 94, Jalan Meranti, Kpg Tunku Abdul Rahman Lambir P.O.Box 617, 98000, Miri, Sarawak.
• St. Matthias's Church, Tudan, Lot 1455, Lorong Perdana 5C, Desaras, Tudan Phase 6, P.O.Box 47, 98107 Lutong, Miri, Sarawak
• St. James's Church, Bintagor, Jalan Kelupu, 96500 Maradong, Sarawak
• St. Nicholas's Church, Bandar Baru Samariang No.1960, Lorong Cahaya Damai 4, Bandar Baru Samariang, Petra Jaya, 93050, Kuching

Parishes in Brunei Darussalam

Source:^[21]

• St. James's Church, Kuala Belait, P.O. Box 79, Kuala Belait KA1131, Negara Brunei Darussalam
• St. Margaret's Church, Seria, P.O. Box 788, Seria KB1133, Negara Brunei Darussalam
• St. Andrew's Church, BSB, P.O. Box 126, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8670, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Mission districts

Source:^[21]

• St. Mary's Church, Matang c/o P.O.Box 347, 93704 Kuching
• St. Paul's Church, Banting c/o P.O.Box 347, 93704 Kuching
• St. Simon's Chapel, Sebuyau c/o P.O.Box 347, 93704, Kuching

The House of the Epiphany

Source:^[21]

The Kidurong Anglican centre

• Lot 3028, Jalan Abang Matassan, Tg, Kidurong, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak

See also

• Anglicanism
• Borneo Mission Association
• Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia
• Council of Churches Malaysia
• Persatuan Gereja-gereja Sarawak
• Bishop of Kuching
• House of the Epiphany

Notes and References

1. News: Diocese of Kuching - About Us . 14 February 2023.
2. News: The Rt Revd Danald Jute becomes the 14th Bishop of Kuching . 28 August 2017 . 14 February 2023.
3. Web site: History of Sarawak . 15 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230122151834/https://www.brooketrust.org/history-of-sarawak . 22 January 2023 . live.
4. [The Times]
5. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL24151305M/ Bunyon, C.J. (1889) Memoirs of Francis Thomas McDougall...and of Harriette, his wife
6. Web site: Labuan Colony . 15 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220308102611/https://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/labuan.htm . 8 March 2022 . live.
7. News: Kuching Celebrates 170 Years . 12 June 2018 . 15 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221202235422/https://livingchurch.org/2018/06/12/kuching-celebrates-170-years/ . 2 December 2022 . live.
8. Web site: Amazing Sarawak - Part 7 . 18 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220812085823/https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/amazing-sarawak-part-7/ . 12 August 2022.
9. Web site: Anglican Diocese of Singapore . 5 April 2019.
10. Web site: Background History and Heritage - St Thomas' Cathedral . 18 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210421100712/https://stthomascathedralkuching.org/background-history-heritage/ . 21 April 2021.
11. Web site: About Us . 18 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230214130746/https://dioceseofkuching.org/about-us-3/ . 14 February 2023.
12. Web site: Synod of the Diocese of West Malaysia (Incorporation) Act 1971 . 18 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200217102633/http://www.commonlii.org/my/legis/consol_act/sotdowma1971504/ . 17 February 2020.
13. Web site: Church Times: "Obituaries – The Rt Revd Peter Howes", 30 May 2003, p 20. 7 August 2021.
14. News: Installed Bishop . 15 January 1963 . The Straits Times . 9 . 6 March 2012.
15. Web site: Cornwall; Nigel Edmund (1903-1984); Bishop of Borneo . 6 March 2012 . National Church Institutions Database of Manuscripts and Archives . Lambeth Palace Library .
16. Book: Hall . R. O. . The First Years - Being the early history of The Council of the Church in South East Aisa . The Anglican Literature Society . 1966 . Hong Kong . 6 March 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120217160135/http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/skh/hall/hall-ccsea.pdf . 17 February 2012 . dead .
17. Web site: Borneo: The Land of River and Palm . 6 March 2012 . Green . Eda . c. 1909 . Borneo Mission Society.
18. Web site: Allenby; David Howard Nicholas (1909-1995); bishop of Kuching . 6 March 2012 . National Church Institutions Database of Manuscripts and Archives . Lambeth Palace Library .
19. Web site: Diocese of Kuching - Bishops of the Diocese . 6 March 2012 . Diocese of Kuching . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150217074418/http://kuching.anglican.org/bishops_of_the_diocese.pdf . 17 February 2015 . dmy-all .
20. Web site: CSCA Society for the Propagation of the Gospel Archives on Borneo Mission. A Guide. . 6 March 2012 . Poon . Michael . The Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120204204905/http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/rart_doc/ang/spg.html . 4 February 2012 . dmy-all .
21. Web site: Parish & Centres - Diocese of Kuching . 18 February 2023.