Singapore’s First Cardinal Aims to Strengthen Inter‑faith Harmony
Breaking New Ground in the Archdiocese
On August 27, the Vatican rolled out a fresh batch of 20 cardinals, and Archbishop William Goh took his place among them. He’s the very first Singaporean to be elevated to this high‑ranked position—an honour that puts a spotlight on the Archdiocese’s 200‑year celebration from last year.
Faith and Politics: A Clear Line
Goh repeatedly emphasizes that, in Singapore, religion stays out of political affairs. “The government’s support is collaborative, not dictatorial,” he explains, pointing out that most other nations mostly blur the line between faith and state. He even warns of places where a state can be very oppressive toward religious expression.
Research‑Driven Dialogue
To turbo‑charge inter‑faith cooperation, the Archdiocese will set up a research institute focused on strategies that can ease talks between religious leaders. The goal? Share those best practices with bishops across Asia and inspire more open, respectful conversations.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
- Zacchaeus Ministry – Named after the biblical tax collector who as turned preacher, this initiative will call on professionals and entrepreneurs to give back.
- Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief – Expansion of Singapore’s global disaster‑relief efforts.
- Ecology & Social Outreach – Broadening the Church’s reach into environmental stewardship and community services.
New Cardinal, New Gear
During the ceremony, 65‑year‑old Goh pledged his loyalty to the Pope, received a four‑corned red biretta, his appointment certificate, and a gold ring emblazoned with the Cardinal’s insignia.
A Continental Show‑case
He’s one of six new Asian cardinals, alongside leaders from Mongolia, Timor‑Leste, Goa, Hyderabad, and South Korea—highlighting the Vatican’s vision of a more globally connected Church.
<img alt="" data-caption="Cardinal William Goh is the first Singaporean to be made a cardinal, and will assist the Pope and is also expected to serve a wider role in the region.
PHOTO: The Straits Times” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”65410c70-76be-4e90-805c-9e84e473da7e” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/28082022_cardinal_the%20straits%20times.jpg”/>
How a 4‑Year‑Old From Hougang Became a Singapore Cardinal
When the Pope Called
Picture this: it’s May 29 and the Pope announces a new cardinal. On cue, Cardinal Goh is cramming a homily for tomorrow. His phone lights up with messages, and he laughs it off—“Maybe the news is fake!” He gets a relentless beep‑beep from his phone until he realizes it’s not a prank.
Cardinal Goh: The Un‑Chosen One
When asked why he was selected, he shrugged: “The Holy Father never told me why.” He added, “I never wanted or even hoped to become a bishop or cardinal. I was happy as a simple priest because I loved ministering.”
Family Roots
Born in Singapore, he’s the youngest of five brothers and a sister, growing up in coast‑side Hougang—once a location with the city’s largest Catholic community. His mother took him to Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Novena Church on Saturdays; the long prayers put him to sleep yet planted a lifelong devotion.
Early Years
- Montfort Junior School: He’d go to church every morning and during recess. While classmates played marbles, he’d be quietly praying.
- He joked, “I’m not a sweaty, energetic type—got no time for that before class!”
- Growing up in a tight‑budget family, food was scarce, so a climb to the church was a little escape.
The Crusaders Club
- He joined a Saturday morning church group called the Crusaders—a place to listen to Bible stories and play.
- He wanted to join the Cubs or Scouts but couldn’t afford the $4 uniform.
- His pride? He spent all his savings on a children’s Bible at age 12.
Second Grade to Early Career
By Secondary 2 he decided on the priesthood, but put it on hold until after national service. Then, at 21, he landed a job at Barclays Bank as a Forex dealer—he juggled a full time banking thrill with his spiritual doubts.
Banking Suits vs. Bishop’s Robe
His siblings also worked in banks; he wondered if he was “worthy enough” to join the priesthood. Still, he enjoyed the friendly rapport with 30 coworkers and described those years as “happy.”
Yet the thought of
a life of sacrifice, minimal wages, and celibacy started to weigh on him. He’d prefer not to live in regret, marry later, and realize he’d missed the call!
Calling the Clergy Solace
He says the vocation is deep, mysterious, and overwhelmingly desire‑driven. “I saw priests’ mentoring—how they cared, taught, enlightened. I thought, ‘Let’s hop on that life.’”
He wants to bring people closer to God, guide them to fresh hope, and share the joys of a life dedicated to faith.
Bottom Line
Who’d’ve thought that a four‑year‑old drool‑ging parishes in Houslam would bloom into a card‑shuffling Singapore cardinal? It’s a story about faith, hard work, and an unplanned path from the Forex floor to the pulpit.
<img alt="" data-caption="Besides fostering inter-religious dialogue in the region, Cardinal Goh hopes to engage civil society groups and promote ecology.
PHOTO: The Straits Times” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”07a4601b-b18a-4720-b0cb-d25d181a3c23″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/28082022_cardinal_the%20straits%20times%20%281%29.jpg”/>
Stumbling Stones on the Path to Priesthood
When the folks asked if his family were behind his choice to become a clergyman, he laughed and said, “Nobody shoved me, nobody told me ‘no’ or made me feel guilty. I just jumped in.”
Getting to that holy office wasn’t a smooth walk in the park. Cardinal Goh admitted there were moments he almost hit the brakes.
“I kept asking God, ‘Should I quit, ah?’”
He chuckled, explaining that every human being wonders whether their sacrifice is worthwhile:
- He poured all his energy into service, but the rewards were hard to see.
- Feeling unappreciated, misunderstood, or faced with plenty of resistance, it’s easy to think, “What’s the point? Let’s quit before we waste more life.”
Ultimately, he chose to love and serve like Jesus, with no strings attached.
Ordination & Ascension
Cardinal Goh was ordained a priest in 1985 after studying at Rome’s Pontifical Urbaniana and Gregorian Universities. He returned to Singapore, entered St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary, and became an archbishop in 2013.
He said:
“I adore preaching and caring for people, but church administration feels like a circus – trying to please everyone and making tough calls isn’t a walk in the park.”
Challenges as Archbishop
Among the toughest paper‑thin scenarios:
- Closing churches during the early Covid‑19 days.
- Dealing with LGBTQ issues and the 377A debate.
- Responding to sexual abuse by a member of a Catholic order.
Before the Singaporean government announced a repeal of Section 377A, the Cardinal kept the Church’s stance neutral, as long as religious freedom was protected:
“I don’t need to shout or create a fuss. My convictions should be voiced respectfully, no pressure or aggressive campaigning.” – Cardinal Goh
“Courage” Program
The Church quietly formed Courage to help LGBTQ believers reconcile their identity with Catholic teachings and to support their parents.
“LGBTQ folks are God’s children too. We should love them, care for them, and help them find peace and God’s will,” he added.
Hard‑to‑Follow Biblical Teachings
He pointed out topics that are hard to live by:
- Forgiving enemies.
- Prohibiting divorce – “I get why someone might need to leave a toxic relationship.”
However, the Church’s pastoral tone has softened over time, tackling issues like suicide, divorce, and LGBTQ relationships with more empathy.
Handling the Abuse Case
Cardinal Goh met a challenge when a Catholic educator was sentenced to five years for sexual acts with teens. He apologized, calling his reaction “dismayed, shocked, and ashamed.”
He emphasized transparency by involving the Archdiocese Professional Standards Office (PSO), a panel of lay judges and former magistrates:
“We hand over every case to the PSO – it keeps things impartial and transparent. Religious orders should forward any allegations to the police and me, and I’ll inform Rome.” – Cardinal Goh
He said the biggest hurdle is dealing with such sensitive matters, which require careful timing, words, and courage.
Personal Purpose
His own family history, with constant quarrels, gave him a deep empathy for those who are hurting. “My calling as a priest is to bring hope, heal wounds, and make a difference,” he explains. He believes that becoming bishop and later cardinal is all granted through God’s grace.
— Originally published in The Straits Times. Permissions are needed for reproduction.
