Page 55 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

12. The Rev. Rob Gillion, staff of St. John's However, this diversity of perspectives should not
Cathedral and at present Priest-in-charge of be considered as elements which divide the Church.
Discovery Bay Anglican Church, has been Hong Kong has always been an international and
appointed Executive Secretary for Religious multi-cultural society. It is very difficult, if not
Broadcasting for the Council beginning impossible, to arrive at a “consensus” in terms of
September 1, 1996. Our thanks to the Rt. Rev. our political ideology, Church and State relations,
Peter Kwong, Bishop of Hong Kong and our values, the operation of the Church, cultural
Macau, and to the Very Rev. Christopher backgrounds or even our moral stands. The Council
Phillips, Dean of St. John’s Cathedral, for has always been concerned about and promoting
assisting and supporting the appointment. unity, especially “unity amid diversity”， to express
our solidarity with all the churches and people in
13. Acknowledgements are given to Mr. Ng Shui- Hong Kong. Instead of just waiting or doing
lai, Director of Hong Kong Christian Service, nothing, the Council has been taking an active role,
the staff of the General Office, and Mrs. Jane under the policy of ‘‘One Country, Two Systems’’，
Lee and Mrs. Winnie Kvvong of the Chinese to work with the people of God in establishing a
Publications Unit for their assistance in the law-abiding, just and democratic society, so that the
work of the Council. goal of “Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong
with a high degee of autonomy” can ultimately be
14. Acknowledgements are given to the following achieved.
persons who have been volunteer translators for
the meetings of the Council over the past year: In the coming year, the Council will continue to
strive toward four major tasks, namely total
A. 94/95 AGM - Rev. Hans Lutz involvement and participation in the Hong Kong
B： 96 EGM - Rev. Lee Ching-chee, Rev. Christian Prayer Convention to witness to God’s
Josephine Tso amazing grace in this historic juncture; publication
C. Joint Ecumenical Communion Service and of the document on Church and State relations to
Breakfast Fellowship for the Clergy - stabilize religious freedom after 1997 and to serve
Rev. Yong Siew-fong as a reference for the churches in Hong Kong;
D. 1996 World Day of Prayer: Mrs. May Ho drafting of a declaration on church unity to
(Liturgy Translation- Mr. Kwok Nai-chik) consolidate the ecumenical spirit and
E. Welcoming Gathering for the Delegation of implementation and to establish the oneness of the
the Religious Affairs’ Bureau Under the Body of Christ; and promoting the ever-growing
State Council - Rev. Dr. Chan Kim-kwong, task of Hong Kong and Mainland liaison programs
Rev. William Tung to improve mutual understanding and cooperation
F. Seminars for Women Church Leaders - between the churches in Hong Kong and China in
Dr. Hanna Li order to move smoothly beyond 1997 into the 21st
G. ACWC’s Visit - Ms. Vicky Lee century.

The year 1997 will be an unprecedented year in the
Epilogue history of Hong Kong when the whole world will
focus its attention on this pivotal moment of entering
The past year has been a very exciting and into a new era. As far as the churches in Hong
challenging year. There have been strong response, Kong are concerned, it is an unprecedented
discussion and even confrontation within the church opportunity and challenge to be concerned about the
circle in addressing issues especially related to the needs of 1.2 billion people in China. It is time for
participation in the Selection Committee and the the Christians in Hong Kong to take up the
“celebration” of the National Day on October 1_ important mission to be partners with the church in

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