Page 126 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

The racial problems in South Africa are a serious Dr. Konrad Raiser, the new General Secretary of
concern for all the world. The WCC has been WCC and three of his executive staff made a visit to
mediating the racial conflict for the last several China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In addition to
decades. "Combat Against Racism" is one of the making arrangements for a press conference for the
very unique programs of WCC. It was mentioned delegation, a welcoming dinner was held on May
in the forward that the Council sent a delegation of 17 and a luncheon meeting on May 19 for our
four people to South Africa (one advisor and three Council members and church leaders to meet with
observers), not only to attend the WCC Central these ecumenical leaders and to exchange ideas. A
Committee Meeting January 18-31, 1994, but also meeting was also arranged through our Council's
to express our concerns and solidarity with the office for the WCC leaders to meet with Governor
South African people who are suffering from racial Chris Patten to understand more about the issue of
oppression. The Council has also supported one of 1997. Rev. Michael Davies, Assistant General
their reconstruction projects. Secretary of WCC, also made a visit to Hong Kong,
August 15-17, 1994, to follow up on the future
cooperation between HKCC and WCC. The
The property at 33 Granville Road was officially
transferred by the Lutheran World Federation to the Council made arrangements for him to meet with
Hong Kong Christian Council. The Property other church leaders in Hong Kong.
Transfer Ceremony was held May 16, 1994 with
Dr. Gunnar Staalsctt, General Secretary of LWF Finally, I was invited by WCC to participate in the
officiating. A new name "Christian Ecumenical Peace Consultation at Corrymeela, Northern
Building" was given to the Council's building. Ireland, June 1-5, 1994. The theme was "Building
During the process of transferring the property over a Culture of Peace - the Churches' Contributions".
the past several years, all of the executive members There were 63 people from 41 countries
have been very cooperative. Special thanks to Rev. participating in the Consultation. I personally am
Li Ping-kwong, former Chairperson; Dr. Heyward very impressed with the work and contributions of
Wong, former General Secretary; Mr. Simon Sit, the World Council of Churches in promoting world
peace and maintaining social justice. Jesus said,
President of Tsung Tsin Mission and Council
Chairperson; Rev. Koy Ying-kwei, President of the "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong; Rev. called children of God". Recently, cease fire was
Martin Lee of the Chinese Rhenish Church for their declared by the IRA in Northern Ireland. I truly
coordination and cooperation and to Dr. Andrew believe there is still a future for humankind.
Hsiao, who with his initiative, has demonstrated his
ecumenical commitment to the success of the whole Exchange Programs with China
process. During the past four years, especially on
the issue of transferring the property, I have come With the re-opening of China in 1979, the Hong
know Dr. Staalsett and admire his great Kong Christian Council has been the first Christian
leadership and ability in the world ecumenical organization in Hong Kong to establish
movement. Hereby, I want to express my special relationships and communication with the church
thanks to him. The transfer of the Christian in China. Since the "Joint Consultation of the
Ecumenical Building is a clear indication of a Mission of Churches in Hong Kong in the 90's", the
closer relationship and friendship between HKCC Council has been making a serious effort to
and LWF with God's amazing grace. I earnestly strengthen ties with the Church in China in order
Pray that God will continue to guide the Council to to assist the churches in Hong Kong to deal with
Maximize the use of the property, to develop a high the issue of 1997 more positively and to move
sense of stewardship and to make the best use of
beyond 1997 more smoothly.
resources for the development of the ministry and
service of the Council. May glory and honor be to During the past year, the Council has had a very
God!
full schedule with constructive exchange programs
with China. First of all, the annual staff retreat was

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