Page 61 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

The book will come out in January 1997. The 1. Short term concerns: At present, some local
purpose is three-fold: churches are working with the cagemen who
a. to be a historical record of the churches in are scattered in different locations around Hong
Hong Kong responding in this “historical time” Kong. A plan was made to organize these
b. to be a reference and to provide sermon churches as a united Christian witness and to
material for clergy for Hong Kong Sunday share their vision and experiences in order to
(July 6, 1997) and encourage other churches to join in this type of
c. to be a source of theological reflection for ministry.
clergy and a source of readings for
encouragement and comfort for lay Christians. 2. Long term concerns: At present, the cagemen
are facing many difficulties related to their
2. Organization of an International Prayer Chain
living quarters. The Committee will investigate
for Hong Kong.
future plans of usage of public funds and facilities
HKCC is organizing an international prayer chain
through contacts with appropriate Government
to circle the globe from June 15, 1997 - July 15,
departments.
1997. Christians in Hong Kong are asking the
ecumenical community to pray for the peace and
well-being of Hong Kong during the change in
sovereignty as a sign of our solidarity and
Women’s Committee
partnership in Christ. All churches and Christians
are welcome to participate. A special appeal will The Committee has been actively involved in
also be made among Chinese churches in North motivating the churches to work to change the
America and Australia. unfavorable situation of women. Many training
programs in counseling were also provided for
clergy, and activities were organized for the
development of mutual communication with
Social Concerns Committee China churches and overseas partners.

After an evaluation of the working procedures of
The Committee promoted and participated in
the Committee, members felt it was not easy to
the following programs:
respond immediately to pressing social issues. Thus,
the Committee appealed to the Executive
Committee, requesting modification of the present A. Hong Kong Church Women's Day
working procedures. After discussion by the A Seminar was held on November 26, 1994
Executive Committee in March, it was decided that at the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran
the Social Concerns Committee, after consultation Church of Hong Kong. Mrs. Cheong Sin Shui-
with the Chairperson or the General Secretary, yu spoke on the theme “Family Problems in
could release statements concerning social issues This Changing Society”. Mrs. Shirin Samuel
directly to the public. introduced the Fellowship of the Least Coin.
Approximately 85 people attended the seminar
The Committee has widely studied the social and the response was positive and encouraging.
problem of bed-space apartment dwellers, more
commonly known as ‘‘cagemen’’. They learned it
B. Initiation of 1995 Women’s Sunday
is a difficult social issue that is not easily solved.
The 1995 Women’s Sunday was observed on
The Committee, therefore, planned a two-fold
March 5. The Committee provided materials to
approach:
churches to use such as a letter of encouragement,
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