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Chairperson’s Remarks
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Soo
Hasten, O God, to save me; O Lord, come
quickly to help me. (Psalm 70:1, NIV)
What we in Hong Kong have been through suffered from collective melancholy.
in the past few years is well given voice by the Notwithstanding, the gifted few rose above the
Psalmist’s invocation, reflecting the havoc in crowd with exceptional courage in the face of
which we have been caught up. At the time of adversity and the threat of life. They bore
reversion, the economy was bubbling. Amid witness to the virtues of a living faith. Religious
some concern for the change in political bodies transformed themselves into vehicles of
landscape by a handful, the majority were very godly peace, zealously demonstrating love and
hopeful in anticipating the dawn of a new era. concern. Not only did believers strive to relieve
Never could we have foreseen the adversities hardship in the livelihood of fellow citizens,
we would face, including calamities such as they also blessed them with peace from the Lord
NPC's reinterpretation of the right of abode in in their hearts. In recent months, the economy
the Basic Law, avian flu, economic downturn, has seen a turn for the better. In terms of
controversies over legislation for Article 23, politics, there have been signs of reconciliation.
SARS, bickering over universal suffrage, Many find themselves less tense and can put on
legislation for school-based management, etc. a smile more often than before. Confidence is
These afflicted us one after another; we could quietly returning. Yet, many are still facing
hardly find breathing space before we had to troubles, and they work long hours just to make
brace up again for yet another mishap. ends meet. They struggle hard just to survive.
Hongkongers, who are used to enjoying smooth Like the Psalmist, we need to continue praying
sailing and booming days, suddenly found for God's salvation. Reliant on His mercy, may
themselves entrenched and unaccustomed to the we Christians be given His wisdom and power
new socio-economic environment. People to assist those in need and to lead lost souls to
responded by groaning, seeking relentlessly for turn to the Lord.
scapegoats to vent their discontent. The city This year celebrates the Golden Jubilee of
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