Page 9 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

The general impression of the Church in Hong Kong is that it
is still too much concerned with her own affairs, too much divided,
clinging too much to its divivions, and needs to make further
contributions to the society which she is called to serve.

Divisions in the Body of Christ can no longer be regarded as
justifiable on any account. They are not only unfortunate, but
sinful, for they distort the image of the Church and hinder the
activity of the Holy Spirit.

The ecumenical age in which we live demands of us knowledge of
the teaching and life of different churches and confessions. This
knowledge must, however, not remain abstract and theoretical, but
must lead to a lively exchange of the religious experiences and
spiritual riches of the different churches. Such an exchange
forms the surest way to an inner drawing together of the Christian
churches in a spiritually profound relationship.

During the year, there were increasing,relations in consulta-
tion and cooperation with Roman Catholics on issues of mutual
interest. The Most Rev. Francis Hsu, was formally installed on
October 26th 1969 as the first Chinese Bishop of the 130 year old
Roman Catholic Church in Hong Kong.

There is a growing conviction among local Church leaders that
some concrete step towards Church union must be made.

Presently, serious conversations regarding Church union are
being conducted between the Chinese Methodist Church and
the Wei L i Kung Hui, There have also been informal conversations
among the Sheng Kung Hui, the Church of Christ in China, the Wei Li
Kung Hui and the Chinese Methodist Church regarding the possibility
of a Church Union Scheme.

The Hong Kong Christian Council was established in 1954. And
this is the 16th Anniversary. Its membership is by Denomination,
Association or Missioh. It now has a membership of 21 major
church bodies and Christian organizations (12 Churches, 6 Christian
Organizations and 3 Missions). Members of the Council represent
77% of the total Protestant Church membership in Hong Kong.

As a founding member of the East Asia Christian Conference,
member of the Commission of World Mission and Evangelism - World
Council of Churches, the World Council on Christian Education and
as associate member of the World Council of Churches, the purposes
of the Council are:

1. To develop fellowship, and mutual programs among the churches
and Christian organizations to strengthen their outreach in
mission.

2. To serve as a meeting place, for the exchange and reconciliation
of views on matters of common interest.

3. To promote joint planning and cooperative action for mission
among the churches and Christian organizations in Hong Kong.

4. To assume responsibility for projects which can best be carried
out on joint basis.

5 . To be a symbol of unity among Christian forces and to promote
that unity.

6. To provide a means whereby churches and Christian organizations
can speak and take common action on social issues and on
matters affecting the religious, moral, political, economic
and social life of the community.
7. To serve as a liaison between Christian organizations in Hong
Kong and regional and world ecumenical bodies.