Page 54 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

General Secretary’s Report

(September 1994 - August 1995)

Rev. Dr. Tso Man-king

Forward thanking God for His amazing grace by providing

In less than two years, Hong Kong will officially us a loving fellowship and the opportunity to witness
return to its motherland. Since the signing of the the unity of the church together. In addition to the
Sino-British Joint Declaration, the 1997 issue has 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service program,
been the hottest topic in every setting of life in a special edition of the 40th Anniversary Yearbook
Hong Kong. While Hong Kong has always been an was published. Moreover, each attendant received
international city, especially with its economic a souvenir umbrella , a fitting symbol of walking
prosperity and development of high technology together in every kind of weather.
and information, the issue of 1997 has drawn
special attention world-wide. The “Mid-Decade Consultation on the Mission of
the Hong Kong Churches”， organized by the
The Hong Kong Christian Council has always Christian Mission Committee, was held from
addressed the issue of 1997 positively, for at least November 1-5, 1994 with the theme "Strong and
more than a decade, strengthening and improving Courageous in the Work of the Lord”. The purpose
mutual relationships and exchange programs of the mid-decade mission consultation was to
between Hong Kong and China. The Council seeks evaluate the work and programs for the past five
not only to walk with the churches in Hong Kong years since the 1990 mission consultation and to be
beyond 1997 into the 21st century, but also to help prepared to accept the new challenges for the next
promote the ecumenical spirit as God's co-worker five years. A “pastoral letter” of the consultation
to develop the mission of His kingdom. The China was sent to Christians and churches appealing for
Hong Kong Christian Liaison Committee was the spirit of unity to be strong and courageous in the
formally established to promote and develop the work of the Lord and to hold hands together walking
Council’s China programs more effectively and beyond '91 into the 21st century.
positively. The Executive Committee passed the
constitution (a guideline) of the Liaison Committee The Doctor of Ministry Program, jointly initiated
in December 1994 and an opening ceremony was and sponsored by the Council and the Lutheran
held on March 20, 1995. The Liaison Committee Theological Seminary, was officially started in
has already started its new programs, which September 1994. Due to visa problems of the two
hopefully will coordinate with otherChina programs students from China, there were only nine doctoral
in Hong Kong in a more effective way. students for the first year.Six new students joined
the program for the class of 1995-98 and the
The year 1994 was the 40th anniversary year of the orientation retreat was held from May 29 to June 1.
Council. In addition to a series of special events, This program not only provides clergy opportunity
the 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and for further training, but also develops a high quality
Dinner were held on November 18, 1994 at Truth of ecumenical spirit for a new generation of church
Lutheran Church and Ocean Palace Restaurant leaders. It is hoped that the first class of graduates
respectively. The celebration was well attended in will receive the degree of Doctor of Ministry in
a harmonious atmosphere with creative programs, 1997.
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