Page 45 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

General Secretary's

Report

General

Rev. Po Kam-cheong
Expanding space for ecumenism

seoretalys
R
A. 55th Anniversary and Mission B. Expand space for ecumenism via
Consultation for Hong Kong Churches ministries
eport
This year marks the 55th Anniversary of the Hong
There are many ministries in HKCC that are
Kong Christian Council. On November 12th, HKCC held promoted through the standing committees. Other than
its Annual General Meeting, followed by the Thanksgiving the Finance Committee that handles internal matters,
Service and 55th Anniversary Banquet. This was a our committees of Church Unity and Relations, Justice
joyous occasion for all the staff, members and friends and Social Concern, Mission and Ministerial Formation,
of HKCC to gather together to share and support each Sharing and Church Witness, Communication and
other as we journey together on the road to ecumenism. Message are taking care of the external ministries, tightly
Before all these, the Mission Consultation of linked with the society. Details can be found in their
respective reports.
Hong Kong Churches 2009 was organized bringing
together leaders and workers from churches of different The Church Unity and Relations Committee helps
denominations to discuss the direction and mission for develop fellowship among different denominations and
the next decade. HKCC held its first Mission Consultation churches through events such as Week of Prayer for
of Hong Kong Churches in the 1970s. Since then, it has Christian Unity, Airport ministry, Women's ministry and
organized mission consultations over 7-8 times, including World Day of Prayer. The meeting of the Colloquium of
interim consultations. The participants and the leaders of Six Religious Leaders and inter-faith dialogue are related
the consultation represented a broad spectrum of Hong events that enhance the fellowship among different
religions and builds mutual trust so as to avoid conflicts.
Kong society, including the co-workers from member
churches and organizations of HKCC.Pastors and lay The Justice and Social Concern Committee mainly
leaders from different denominations were also invited. expresses care and concern for Hong Kong affairs from
Before the consultation, women and youth forums were Hong Kong church perspective and supports the minority
held for their participation and collecting their opinions. groups. Last year, the Committee expressed opinions
to the government on the issues of financial tsunami,
The Chinese words on the logo of HKCC "在主裡
Domestic Violence Ordinance, Control of Obscene and
合而為一” means “We are one in the lord”. If we take
Indecent Articles Ordinance, racial discrimination, mental
these words seriously, the aspiration for unity in Christ
health and drug testing. Seminars on certain issues
would not be limited to our member churches and
were held for raising public concern, so that the voice
organizations. It is necessary to expand the space for
of minorities could be heard. Regarding these common
ecumenism, inviting more churches to participate, just
concerns, the Committee co-operates with the Justice
as we did for the Mission Consultation for all Hong Kong
and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic
churches.
Diocese, concern groups and organizations of Christians
and other local groups.

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