Page 42 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

G EN ER AL S E C R E T A R Y ^ REPORT
(September 1995- August 1996)
R e v . D r. T s o M a n - k in g

Forward that there is strong sentiment, but Hong Kong
people as well have high expectations of China to be
In less than 300 days, Hong Kong will return to a strong, progressive, democratic, free and
China to become an integral part of its motherland. modernized country and are committed to strive
Under the policy of “One country， Two systems”， towards these goals. Not only would the people of

Hong Kong will maintain its capitalistic identity and Hong Kong not deny that they are descendants of
way of life unchanged for another 50 years, the “Dragon people’’， but they also hope that after
exercising its “Hong Kong people governing Hong the smooth transition beyond 1997, they would be
Kong with a high degree of autonomy” principle. It proud of being Chinese to rebuild a high sense of
is understandable that there are complex and mixed national identity and dignity.
feelings as Hong Kong people are on their
‘‘homeward，’ journey, including those with heavy The past year has been a very important year in the
history of the Hong Kong Christian Council filled
and sluggish steps facing 1997.
with challenges and excitement. The Extraordinary
During the last 150 years since Hong Kong was General Meeting of the Council met and resolved
ceded to the British in 1841， Hong Kong people that the Council will participate indirectly in the
have been living under the British colonial system. Selection Committee based on the Basic Law. This
This system has a very different political ideology decision created a strong response within the church
from Hong Kong’s motherland. Hong Kong’s way circle as well as being widely covered by the mass
of life， value system and cultural upbringing are media. It is exactly because of the stormy weather
also different. Moreover, due to the historical in the exciting and challenging homeward journey
“baggage” such as the Cultural Revolution, the that the Council has a very unique and important
“June 4” incident，etc.， people in Hong Kong have role to play. The Council has made its strong
been distancing themselves from their motherland, commitment to stand in solidarity with the churches
especially with the political authority of China, even and people in Hong Kong, to be with them and to
with a sense of resistance. Therefore, it is not work and walk with them together firmly and
difficult at all to understand the attitude of Hong steadily. It is God who directs our path.
Kong people in responding to the 1997 issue from
the historical, political as well as cultural The Council continues to work closely with
perspectives. international ecumenical organizations to strengthen
our relationship with churches in China and
Fortunately, after separating from the motherland overseas. We carry out mutual exchange programs,
for more than 150 years， the “China sentiment” of conferences, visits, study and sharing of resources
the Hong Kong people has never been diluted by which have deeply improved mutual trust,
time, history, political structure or culture. There understanding and promotion of the unity of the
are different ways to express this sentiment. The church. These activities have consolidated the
most common way is to respond with exceptional churches in Hong Kong to move forward steadily
generosity by donating tens of millions of dollars to into a new historical era.
China to help victims and to rehabilitate their homes
whenever there are natural disasters, e.g. During the last ten years or so, about half a million
earthquakes, floods in China. Undoubtedly, this is a people have emigrated overseas due to the 1997
genuine expression of “China sentiment” Not only issue. The “brain drain” effect within the church

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