Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim has directed all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to allow girls to be altar servers, besides boys.
It can be recalled that in a pastoral letter dated November 29, 2019, permission was granted for all 35 parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur to include girls as altar servers. However, not all parishes have done it yet.
“While we acknowledge that some parishes may not have been logistically prepared to accommodate both boys and girls at that time, I hope that, after five years, all parishes have moved forward to welcome both boys and girls to serve as altar servers,” he said in a latest pastoral letter dated April 8, 2025.
He did not mention in the pastoral letter, out of 35 parishes, how many parishes have allowed girls as altar servers, along with boys.
However, he echoed the Holy Father’s words from 2021, saying, “Offering lay people of both sexes the possibility of accessing the ministry of acolyte and lector, by their participation in the baptismal priesthood, will increase the recognition, also through a liturgical act [institution], of the precious contribution that many lay people make, including women, to the life and mission of the Church.”
“May our shared efforts and dedication continue to inspire and support one another as we work towards a hopeful, more compassionate future. Thank you for your unwavering commitment,” the prelate said.
The pastoral letter was issued after the clergy held numerous discussions addressing the challenges the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur faces.
“Embracing a spirit of synodality, we have explored and discerned these matters within Presbyterian, the Council of Priests, and the College of Consultors,” said Kim.
“Fostering a stronger sense of commitment and responsibility, shared accountability can lead to effective implementation and better outcomes for the pastoral care of the people of God,” he added.
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