Page 17 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

ducation”covers a broad area of concern
E in Hong Kong is extensive and complicat-
AREAS OF CONCERN and the church’involvement in the same

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ed. Therefore, the Council has had to be
MISSION POLICY selective in its approach in terms of its investment
of human and material resources.
A preliminary consultation on the Mission of
the Church was organized last November. Although the Educational Concerns Committee and
the Education Secretary have dealt with a variety of
Nine areas of concern were put forward: (1) renewal educational issues and projects, three areas have
of local congregations, （ 2) evaluation of the C hurch’ received particular attention:
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role in social service, (3) expression of concern for
Christians in China, (4) analysis of the impact of the 1) Clarification of the C hurch’role in education

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mass media on social m orality, (5) evangelism among in Hong Kong. A num ber of Christian educators
low-income groups, (6) involvement in the deve- are struggling with the role that they as Chris-
lopm ent of new towns, (7) prom otion of Christian tians should be playing in humanizing Hong
journalism, (8) evangelism through the mass media, K ong’ educational system in general, and in
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and (9) leadership training. creating people-centered caring and sharing
communities in their schools in particular. It
The Division of Mission began in-depth studies has been our aim to help them define the issues
and research in the above-mentioned areas of and explore new possibilities in these areas.
concern in preparation for the forthcoming formal
consultation on the mission of the Church in Hong 2) Development of a rationale and resources for

Kong in the 80，in November. Religious Education in Church-related schools.
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Students in many schools are not interested in
the present approach being used in Religious
EVANGELISM AMONG LOW-INCOME GROUPS Education in Church-related schools, while
R.E. teachers are asking for help in rekindling
vangelism among low-income groups is one that interest through new materials, methods
of the most im portant thrusts we have and training. It has been our aim to provide
been developing. We have tried to develop these materials, methods and training in o r-
this thrust through theological reflection, der to equip teachers to meet stu d en t’needs

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E social analysis and studies of Christian organizations in this area.
and resources.
3) Designing holistic personal development
programs for students from a Christian per-
We have also developed links with Churches and spective. Students are often hindered in their
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concerned individuals in order to develop a “isten- overall personal growth by a fragmented and
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ing ear for the sighs of the poor” In addition, we imbalanced approach to their development.
have also encouraged various denominations to set
It has been our aim to provide them with
up w orker’s congregations. opportunities for growth that emphasize a
holistic and integrated approach to life.
JUSTICE, PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH IN CHINA
ur division responded regularly on issues
O concerning justice, peace and human e are attem pting to express our
of
rights through the trans-mission
concern for the Church in China
relevant inform ation, theological reflec-
tions, the release of position statements, correspon- W in the following ways:
dence with the authorities and encouragement of
grass-root participation from the ecclesiastical com- 1) visitation to congregations in China,
munity in such issues. 2) docum entation of local response to ecclesiatical
developments in China,
EDUCATION 3) drafting of a statem ent of concern to the
Church in China,