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Christian Conference appeal for contribution towards relief programme
in Vietnam has encouraged all churches in Hong Kong to support this
good causeo As the result, Hong Kong $51,253.06 has been raised and
channelled through the Asian Christian Service for the relief of war
victims in all parts of Vietnam.
VII. LECTURES ON CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION
During the year, the Council and the Church of Christ in China
were joint sponsors for a series of special lectures on Christian
Stewardship Education with Dr. Paul Lindholm as the speaker. These
meetings took place during February l8 - 20, 1968 at 8:00 p.m. at
Kung Li Church, Hong Kong, and during February 22 - 24, at 8:00 p.m,
at the Chinese Methodist Church, Kowloon. The lectures were followed
by questions and discussions. There were a total of 300 people
attended the meetings.
VIII. NEW MEMBERSHIP
During the year, two applications for membership have been
received from the Hong Kong Boys’ Brigade and the Christian Study
Centre on Chinese Religions and Culture. The Executive Committee
has given careful examination and considerations to these applications.
It has been decided to recommend to the Annual General Meeting for
approval that the Christian Study Centre on Chinese Religions and
Culture be accepted as a member of the Council.
IX. APPOINTMENT OF PROGRAMME SECRETARIES
The steady development, of the work of the Council has led to the
discussion for additional staff to cope with the increasing need. It
has been" proposed that the Council should look for a programme secretary
for the establishment of the Ecumenical Library and to work in preparation:
of schemes for future development in new areas. As the result of long
discussions, the Rev. R.L. Turnipseed has been approached and a letter
has been sent to the American Methoidst Board asking that Mr. Turnipseed
be released for this position on a full time basis.
Meanwhile, at the request of the Council, the Church of Christ in
China has very kindly released Miss Rita Luk to serve, the Council as
part-time Hon. Secretary. The main responsibility of Miss Luk will be
the coordination of women’s work among the churches and the promotion
of the Least Coin Fund Programme in Hong Kong.
We anticipate that with the service of Rev. Turnipseed and Miss Luk,
work of the Council will be greatly strengthened. We would record our
appreciation to the American Methodist Board and the Church of Christ
in China for their generous cooperation and support.
X. RESTRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL
Since 1964, the Council appointed a special Committee to review the
overhall structure arid functions of various auxiliary organizations and
committees, for the purpose of exploring what is both desirable and
practicable for the future development of the Council for:the betterment
of the, churches as a whole.
As a result of the effort made by the sub-committee on reorganization
much research has been made on the possible restructuring of the Council
Some forward progress has been made concerning the actual proposals for
restructuring and it is expected that the following diagram adopted by
the Executive Committee may have the approval of the Annual General
Meeting of the Council in May, 1968.
It is time when there is much hope on the horizon for the strengthening
of the ecumenical witness of the Council. We must reorganize ourselves
in accordance with the ecumenical thinking which revolves around the
"Renewal of the Church”. It is the responsiblity of the Council to do
everything possible to realize such a vision and also to become an efficient
body for the coordinating of all matters of a regional and interdenomina-
tional nature.
The restructuring of the Council, while essentially a regrouping of
the existing committees and Auxiliaries under a stronger and more unified
system, still has necessitated that some committees be reformed or combined
with others to avoid duplication and give a more effective witness.
It is our hope that with this restructuring, the Council may become
a better instrument to serve the churches and the people in Hong Kon g .