Page 44 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

General

Secretary’s

Report

During the year under review, many people have and listening to their voices. The Church should embrace
been concerned about changes in the global economy, youth and women as forces for church renewal and
hoping for an upturn. Yet, they have never taken time development.
to consider the price that we are paying for such The Consultation noted the gap between the rich
western modernization. If the world is following the path and the poor in Hong Kong, as well as the situation of
of capitalism, consumerism, and military expansion, minority and marginalized groups such as elders, ethnic
then humans and the earth will pay a huge cost. The minorities, new arrivals, migrant workers, refugees and
consequences are irreversible. However, there are many asylum seekers. It also paid attention to the tradition of
developing countries still following this path. The Church,
local community and village culture, land protection and
rooted in faith, should show the world how to pursue the pollution free environment, anti-consumerism, and the
right path that leads to life. promotion of dialogue among various religious, racial
Similarly, when the Church carries out ministries, it and cultural communities. The Council hopes to play
needs to have firm theological foundation and reflection, a prophetic role in order to monitor the government
and even more a clear mission and concrete ministries and enhance social justice, equality and democratic
that are responding to societal needs. By doing this, the participation. These important points of mission are once
，

Church can witness that ‘the Word became flesh’, the again raised. On one hand, it showed the concern of the
faith that renews the world. consultation participants and the results of small group
discussion. On the other hand, it is also their theological
A. Mission Consultation of the Hong Kong
reflection and understanding of the mission of the
Churches 2009
church. Is the Hong Kong Church doing enough?
In November 2009, Hong Kong Christian Council
held the Mission Consultation of the Hong Kong B. Brainstorming meeting of the
Churches, an event that takes place every ten years. Executive Committee
This time there were only 120 participants. When On March 23, 2010, the Hong Kong Christian
compared with the past, the number of participants was Council held a brainstorming meeting for half-day,
less, but the Consultation did have some highlights, offering an opportunity for reflection about church unity
which are worth noting: and future development, and the role and function of
Before the Consultation, a ‘Sister’ Forum and ecumenical organizations. Bishop Nicholas Tai, the
a Youth forum were held. The Statem ent of the Chairperson, suggested that the Hong Kong Church
Mission Consultation listed 12 points with the first two should not only seek more opportunities for cooperation,
priorities being ministry with youth and women. This but it could also learn from the western church experience
demonstrates that the Church must take youth and about how to achieve the goals of church unity. The
women's participation and contribution seriously. After western church experience is to engage in dialogue
the Consultation, the Hong Kong Christian Council's on faith and order among denominations, which leads
Justice and Social Concern Committee set up a youth to mutual recognition with regards to ministry and
task force and gender justice task force to encourage sacrament. Unity is the command of Jesus Christ. He
youth and woman's participation. Their voices may earnestly prayed for this unity for his disciples. It is our
sometimes be quite weak in churches, but we can get hope that this unity in Christ will also become our prayer
fresh perspectives by understanding their point of view and the direction we pursue.

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