Page 43 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

Events are listed as follows: B. Christian M ission a n d Social C o n cern
(a) The meetings of the "Colloquium of Six Reli- D ep artm en t
gious Leaders" Rev. Dr. Lo Lung-kwong is the Department
Two meetings took place on November 9,
Chair and our staff Rev. Hans Lutz is responsible for
2000 and May 10, 2001 respectively. Rev. Dr.
relevant works of the Department. The activities of
Li Ping-kwong, Rt. Rev. Thomas Soo, Ms. Ko
the Department include the following:
Siu-wah and Rev. Eric S.Y. So represented the
1. Opposing the Legalization of Soccer Gambling
Council to attend.
(b) Chinese New Year Gathering
The Chinese New Year Gathering was
hosted by the Buddhists and took place on Feb-
ruary 15, 2001 at the Buddhist Cultural Centre
with more than 100 people in attendance. The
Chairperson Rev. Dr. Li Ping-kwong gave a
speech on behalf of the Council. In addition,
the Lunar New Year Message was presented.
(c) Participation in the Administrative and Chap-
laincy works of the Prayer Room in the Interna-
tional Airport
The prayer room, located at the departure
level of the passenger terminal, is open 24 hours

a day. People from different religions can make
use of the prayer room. The Airport Authority is Opposing the Legalization of Soccer Gambling
responsible for the administration of the prayer
During the past year the Council continued to
room and the Six Religions have been asked to
oppose the expansion of gambling activities. In June
be involved. The Council has recruited volun-
2001 the government of the Hong Kong Special Ad-
teers for the Airport Care Team for emergency
ministrative Region released a consultation paper in
counseling service.
which the possibility of legalizing soccer betting was
(d) Joint Letter for Opposing the Legalization of
raised. In anticipation of this move, Christian groups
Soccer Gambling
A joint letter was signed by the six reli- formed the “Christian Coalition to Oppose Legaliza-
.
gious leaders to oppose the legalization of soc- tion of Soccer Betting” On May 12, 2001, the eve of
M others Day, a statement signed by 192 congrega-
cer gambling.
(e) Religious Dialogue tions and Christian organizations was published in the
press. On the same day a delegation presented the state-
The dialogue took place on January 6,
ment to the Chief Executive. The statement called on
2001 at the venue offered by the Islam ic
government, legislative councilors, voters and the press
members. Elder Yau Chung-wan represented the
not to advance the cause of soccer gambling. 24,000
Council to give a speech on the theme 4tA Re-
signatures were submitted along with the statement.
flection and an Expectation on Education in
Hong Kong". Christians have been asked to send letters to the
government. A rally at Chater Garden took place and