Page 65 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

Chairperson’s Remarks

Ko Siu Wah

During the past year, the work of the Council has (iii) the relationship between religious organisations in the
continued to develop and improve under the earnest Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and those in
co-operation and support of all our member churches and other parts of the People’ Republic of China shall be based
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organizations, members of the Executive Committee, the on the principles of non-subordination, non-interference
staff, and friends at home and abroad. All of whom I would and mutual respect. There has been the cry for freedom
like to give my hearty thanks. and democracy in Hong Kong during these few months. All
these bring out the questions of what is and will be the role

This year we celebrate our 35th Anniversary. May we of Hong Kong churches. What is the churches’mission?
first of all express our special gratitude to our God for His How can churches grow? How to build up the peace and
guidance and blessings. Thanks are also due to our confidence in the hearts of the lay people? How to help
founding members, various churches and church leaders make a right decision in solving different personal
for their dedication, support and co-operation. We hope problems? How to spread the gospel efficiently and
that, under the continuous guidance of our Lord and the effectively? All these questions need our further
support from the churches, we can face new challenges and contemplation and discussion. Thus, in view of this, the
handle new tasks in this historical and critical period of Council has decided to hold a consultation on Christian
time. Mission in the 9 0 ’s in April, next year. We humbly pray for
God’inspiration and wisdom so that we may be well
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,
Stepping into the 90’ Hong Kong will be moving equipped in preparing for the consultation which will
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toward the day when the sovereignty and administration surely contribute much to the churches in Hong Kong.
will be reverted to China. There is no other period in the
history of Hong Kong which can be so important and The important events of 1988 to 1989 which appear in
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challenging as 1997 is going to bring to this territory. the General Secretary’Report are not included in this

section. As for the work and activities of the closely
We are facing a transitional period, a changing era, related organisations such as H.K. Christian Industrial
and a sensitive political situation. It was stated in the Committee, Christian Family Service Centre, United
Sino-British Joint Declaration that after 1997 (i) rights and Christian Medical Service, HK Christian Service etc, are
freedoms of religious belief will be ensured by law in the also impossible to be included in this Bulletin.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, (ii) Religious Fellow-Christian interested in the development of their
and community organisations, may retain their autonomy. work and activities can read their Annual Reports.

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