Page 21 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

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CH A IRM A N S REM ARKS The Rev. Dr Peter Wong

It was a real privilege to be once again elected community.
Chairman of the Council after so many years.
During the year, marked progress in many areas, of There is need for a representative Christian body for
work has been made because of the support of contact with Government. Recently, through the
member churches and agencies as well as the co­ effort of the Council, Government authorities
operation of the staff. For this, I am truly thankful. arrived at a new policy favourably affecting the
construction of new churches and the elimination of
During the last year, I have come to a personal premium on parsonage space. This is a fine example
recognition of the very important role of the Hong of what the Council can do.
Kong Christian Council in relation to churches and
community. I would stress two areas: With regard to ecumenical relationships, the Council
has had a long history of cooperation with overseas
1. The Council has a leading role in mission churches and organizations. We have become a
thinking and in action. For many years, W6 have credible consultative body for their interests in
promoted the Five Loaves & Two Fish campaign to Hong Kong. I suggest that we in the Council
combat world hunger, giving a concrete incarnation consider taking a further step in seeking to represent
of the idea of Christian mutual sharing among the Hong Kong churches in their ecumenical involve­
churches in Hong Kong. I hope we can do more in ment, relieving confessional bodies of their burden,
the coming years in inspiring Christians of that simplifying ecumenical structures, thus allowing for
sharing spirit. For common mission, we must engage a focusing of our separate resources for mission in
in common action. Hong Kong.
2. The Council has a representative role on behalf Given the vital tasks outlined above, I plead for the
of the churches for wide contact with the Hong personal involvement of all denominational leaders
Kong community. We should strive to impress upon in the work of the Hong Kong Christian Council.
the community and church people of a new image — Our task can not be done by officers and staff
that we are a cooperative body capable of re­ alone. It depends on the participation of every
presenting the Christian community, and of being leadership. Only then can the Council become
its spokesman. Our General Secretary should strong enough to be the representative mission of
constantly make reasoned and constructive the Christian community in Hong Kong.
comments on matters affecting the Hong Kong