Page 4 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

HONG KONG CHRISTIAN COUNCIL
Report of the Executive Committee for the year
1960 - 1961

Once again we feel that the year under review has given us the opportunity
of doing some useful work, ever with our slender resources as we try to be of
service to the churches of Hong Kong in this busy period of growth and activity
We have firm,conviction that ’we are not alone, for the Father is with us';
may He continually'guide us as together we seek His holy will. Some progress
in the field of ecumenical activity is to be noted, and we took part also in
concerted action against evils in society - e.g. the football pools, the
licensing of bars. During this period more members have joined the Council,
and it has set up additional sub-committees for various purposes.

A. Notable Events of the year

1. E.A.C.C. Working Committee Meeting in Hong Kong - April 1960
This meeting was held on 25th April, 1960. Participants were Church
dignitaries from the East Asia region, including delegates from the Philip-
pines, India, Ceylon, Burma, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, New Zealand,
Malaya and Hong Kong.
There was a committee meeting on 'Life, Mission and the Unity of the
Church'. Only one meeting was held. A preliminary discussion on worship
was held, and a brief talk was arranged to enable some EACC officers to speak
to the clergy and ministers group. Dr. D. G. Moses talked on the subject
of 'Christian Higher Education in newly independent countries'. Mr. M.M.
Thomas' topic was 'The Christian Church and the changing social pattern'.
Dr. D.T. Niles gave a talk on 'The strength of Church unity in evangelism',
while Rev. Alan A . Brash talked on.'The meaning of Inter-Church Aid'. Two
excursions were arranged by the HKCC. One was to acquaint the more elderly
members, by means of a short trip, with church welfare and relief work.
An evening harbour excursion was given to those who could afford the time.
Arrangements were made to have members of the EACC Working Committee to preach
at different churches in Hong Kong at their Sunday Services. These churches
were the Anglican, the Church of Christ in China, the Union Church, the
Presbyterian and the Baptist. A missionary consultation was held at the
Church Guest House .from April 25 - 26, 1960. Four delegates were appointed
by the Hong Kong Christian Council to represent four different denominations
to participate in this Consultation.

2. Commonwealth Youth Sunday - May 1960
The Commonwealth Youth Sunday was celebrated on May 29, 1960, The
order of service was edited by an interdenominational Committee in England
and was translated into Chinese by the CCLOC. 3,000 copies of this were
distributed to the participating churches. Seven English speaking churches
and eight Chinese churches participated. The Queen's message stressed the
importance of Commonwealth Youths' contribution towards world peace.

3. Visit of Rt. Rev, Bishop Michael Hollis
Bishop Hollis, Moderator of the Church of South India came on May 31,
1960 on a transit visit. He was asked to give a talk on 'Possible Steps
re-Reunion of the Churches'.

4. Protest against Football Pools
The Football Pools Bill had passed through its first reading in the
Legislative Council and was waiting its second reading when a storm of protest
arose. The Chairman of the Executive Committee was asked (at its Jan. 25th
Meeting) to write a letter i n opposition to this move, and at the same time
to request the churches and Christian schools to follow suit. Practically
all the Chinese newspapers, all the Kai Fong Associations, and some churches
and schools united in protest.