Page 84 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

2. MUTUAL ACCEPTANCE OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Holy Communion is established by our Lord before He was crucified, and in which
He commanded His followers to observe it always. Therefore, we encourage
denominations to accept Christians of other denominations to receive the Body and
Blood of Christ in their worship, and also to accept Holy Communion administered by
clergy of other denominations.

3. MUTUAL RESPECT OF CHURCH ORDER

Each denomination has their own theology, tradition, characteristics and perspectives on
their own church polity or order. This is especially true in the acceptance of apostolic
succession and the special revelation of God's calling. We should respect these
distinctions and differences.

MOREOVER,

We will make more effort to exchange opinions with the different denominations in Hong
Kong, promoting the consciousness of church unity, uniting the strength of churches, and
consolidating our mutual witness.

The Hong Kong Christian Council will regard the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox
Church as our partners in the ecumenical movement, to have more understanding with each
other both in theology and in our mission.

Under the principle of one country two systems, based on the guidelines of non-interference,
non-subordination, and mutual respect, our relationship with the church in China will be one
of mutual support and cooperation, complementing one another to carry out the Great
Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Internationally, we will maintain our relationships with the World Council of Churches, the
Christian Conference of Asia, and other international ecumenical organizations, to be our
mutual partners and to promote our goals that are relevant to the church unity movement.

FINALLY,

In anticipation of the early coming of the Kingdom of God, we will continue to enlarge our
perspective; to care for the well-being of humankind; to establish more channels of
understanding among all people, religions and God’s creation; to work together to eradicate
poverty, hatred, discrimination, war, conflict and sinful conduct; to create a new world order
that God’s love may prevail over all the earth so that justice, freedom, democracy and peace
will spread out all over the nations.

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