Page 46 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

of this age. 3. Another forum was held on the issue of “Pre-School
Education”. As a result, the following opinions were submitted
6. The development of pastoral work in the congregations during to the Education Department of the Government for its
this period of rapid change. consideration:
a) We confirm the necessity of Kindergarten education,
7. The strengthening of the social service work of the Church b) We request fuller financial support from the Government,
during this time of transition. c) We request that consideration be given to the development
of a long-term and overall pre-school education policy and
8. The enhancement of educational work during this preparatory that the professional status of kindergarten teachers be
period. upgraded.
9. The encouragement of Christians to become involved in In recent years the most prevalent issue in Hong Kong has
building a democratic government during these changing times. been emigration. In response, the committee tried to focus their
attention on those who are to remain. Their goal was to help these
10. The implimentation of the concept of the ^priesthood of all people strengthen their loyalty towards Hong Kong, to stimulate a
believers" in the life and work of the Church in this era of greater willingness among them to assume responsibility for the
change. development of this Territory, and to foster within them positive
attitudes concerning the future. Plans were laid to launch an "I love
Hong Kong Campaign” which will begin in 1991 and last for about
The third part of the Consultation consisted of an open meeting
one year. This movement will be under the auspices of the Hong
which again took place at the Ward Memorial Methodist Church on
Kong Christian Council co-sponsored by other organizations.
the last evening of the Consultation. Working group leaders reported
discussion results and asked for comments. Dr. Philemon Choi, the
main speaker of the evening, challenged Christians to be ready to
bear the cross of Christ during this decade for the good of the future
Women's Activities Committee
of Hong Kong. The draft of a manifesto was publicly adopted. At the
Following the stipulation of the new Constitution, a Women's
conclusion of the Consultation, all 400 participants went up to the
Committee was re-established with women leaders from member
front to put their signatures on the manifesto as a symbol of their
churches serving as members. Their first action was to establish a
willingness to commit themselves to the realization of its ten points.
"Women's Clergy Fellowship". This will provide opportunities for
women church leaders to exchange experiences so that they may be
A monograph will be published in Chinese on the entire
better equipped to lead or to help develop women's work in their
proceedings of the Consultation and will be made available to the
public. own churches. A further objective will be to encourage women to
participate in voluntary work in their respective communities.
Commission on Social Concerns
Under the old constitution this committee was called the This committee will also develop close ties with similar
“Commission on Public Policy”. The main purpose of this committee overseas organizations. In November this year, it will send a
is to motivate Hong Kong churches to be concerned with social delegation consisting of the Chairperson, Ms. Joni Lo, and Mrs.
affairs, with public policies, with the welfare of the people, and with Nancy Chow to represent Hong Kong at the 9th Assembly of the
the furthering of justice and peace in the Territory. During this past Asian Church Women's Conference to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia,
from 1st to 6th November.
year the committee accomplished the following:
1. An informal discussion was held on 9th January giving church
leaders an opportunity to listen to and to share with some Youth Activities Committee
members of the uBasic Lawn Drafting Committee.
This committee was also recently organized according to
the new Constitution. Its aim is to develop close relationships with
2. Because of last year’s June 4th incident, the people of Hong local and overseas youth departments so as to develop and promote
Kong remain apprehensive about public policies in the effective youth activities in Hong Kong.
community. The committee, therefore, urged local
churches to be more concerned about various social issues. A The main emphasis of this committee's work during the year
forum on Civil Rights was subsequently held on 12th March in was placed on the planning and implementation of a ''Consultation on
response to the Bill of Human Rights Policy announced by the the Youth Work of the Church in Hong Kong in the 90'sM They
.

Government. discovered that the participants’ individual qualities, the length of

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