Page 51 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

Chairperson，'s Address

Rev. LI Ping-kwong

The year that has such diversity, still we could find the way to
already passed was an move forward by sincere communication,
unforgettable year. in-depth debate and critical analysis to
While the return of open up thinking and to explore the truth.
Hong Kong to China At the same time, it was also the time for us
has proven a to learn to have a heart that could
successful event, a acknowledge different opinions, an attitude
series of unexpected to accept criticism, a willingness to change
incidents at the same when things went wrong, the ability to admit
time occurred in Hong our faults, and even to repent to make a
Kong. It began with fresh start. We hope that from now on the
the heavy rainfall that Church of Hong Kong can even be more
caused serious disruption, followed by an responsive to social issues, and have the
outbreak of different kinds of flu. Then courage to speak up and the determination
came the Asian financial crisis bringing to seek the truth through dialogue. This, I
along severe problems such as economic hope, can enhance church unity and enable
downturn, the sudden dislocation of the the Church to continue testifying to our faith
property market, high interest rates, rising in this new era.
unemployment rate, and the shutdown of
several well-established companies. All Recently it has been imperative for the
these consequences of the crisis have left Council to reaffirm our goals, to forsake our
the hearts of the Hong Kong people in low prejudice, and to correct errors according
spirits. The chaos in the operation of the to our reassessment. With the spirit of
new airport disappointed the people of unity, we should continue to serve our
Hong Kong very much, since we were all church and society with a pure heart and in
proud of having such a new airport and a sincere manner.
hoped it could stimulate the economy to a
certain extent. With the mistakes that have It is not a matter of what we have, what we
been made in administration and operation, did or what we can be. Instead it is a matter
apparently the mood of society is extremely of what we are. In fact, our utmost concern
negative with people feeling depressed, should be what the church is and what the
sullen and upset. It is about time for the Council is. It is not a question that we are
Church to examine its own identity, the being asked, but at the same time it should
purpose of its existence and the role it be a question we ask ourselves
ought to play. continuously. This is a matter of essence.
When society emphasizes "quality" in all
Within the past year the Hong Kong respects, it is also necessary for us to think
Christian Council experienced many about how to build a church and a Council
challenges, especially on the issue of the with "quality".
Christian SAR Vote which triggered off a
flurry of divided opinions. These In this AGM, when we look back over the
viewpoints reflected how much the Church past and report on what we have done, let
should be concerned about the social us all look sincerely at what is our essence.
issues of society. In a way, it was a We pray that the Lord will give us ample
positive phenomenon in that individuals faith, hope and love to face the future
expressed their own views according to challenges. We hope that our work will be
their theological position and expressed done as Paul said: "I do it all for the sake of
their attitudes towards political matters. It the gospel, so that I may share in its
was an invaluable opportunity that despite blessings". (1 Cor. 9:23)
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