11 November 2013
Dear Dean/Rectors/Priest-In-Charge, Priests/PCCs & Church Members,
The Standing Committee wishes to express its profound gratitude to all of you for your love and concern expressed in so many ways to Bishop Datuk Albert Vun and his family. Together, we share Bishop Albert’s trust in the Lord and urge everyone to continue to uphold Bishop Albert and his family in prayers as (in Bishop Albert own words) he is “completely dependent on Him for a miraculous healing” from pancreatic cancer.
In response to the many queries received from our church members, the Standing Committee wishes to clarify that some years ago the Diocese took a deliberate decision not to take up medical insurance for our clergy and pastors after having done an in depth study on the matter. The existing policy of the Diocese on medical claims by any of our ministry staff is for the Diocese to pay 50% of the medical claims while the remaining balance 50% shall be borne by the local parish where he/she is at the material time posted.
In the circumstances of Bishop Albert, the Standing Committee has decided that Bishop Albert medical expenses, including related incidental expenses in seeking medical treatment, will be the responsibility of the Diocese. The Standing Committee has also decided to bear the travelling expenses of Datin Mary Vun (or her alternate) in accompanying Bishop Albert for medical treatment overseas, where and when necessary.
The Standing Committee is overwhelmed with so much generosity, kindness and love from both near and far expressed to Bishop Albert and his family.
Notwithstanding the Diocese’s undertaking to bear Bishop Albert’s medical expenses, churches and individuals who still feel the need to offer financial assistance for Bishop Albert medical expenses may do so through your local churches, and this we will let the local priest in charge to take the initiative.
Proceeds collected may be sent to the Diocesan office by cheque issued in the name of “Diocese of Sabah” with the wordings “Diocesan Medical Fund” written at the back of the cheque and it is from this fund that Bishop Albert’s medical expenses will be drawn from.
Thank you. Let us continue to serve and trust the LORD.
Yours in Christ,
Paul Liew