Page 54 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

clarifying some unnecessary Church, USA; Rev. David Rice and Mr.
misunderstanding, but also having more Bobby Williamson of the Presbyterian
confidence in the future of Hong Kong, Church, USA.; Rev. Poliakof, President of
improving the ecumenical spirit of church the Council of Churches of St. Petersburg,
unity. Soviet Russia, and many more.

The general secretary was invited to Since the headquarters of the Christian
participate in the International NCCs Conference of Asia (CCA) are in Hong Kong,
General Secretary's conference September the Council has an increasing and closer
7-14, 1997 in Geneva, and spoke on "The partnership with CCA, and participated in
Roles of NCCs from the Asian Perspective". many activities and programs sponsored by
After the conference, the General Secretary CCA. The General Secretary also serves
also participated in the World Council of as member of CCA's Executive Committee,
Churches' (WCC) Central Committee the General Committee and the Personnel
meeting as "Advisor", planning for the 8th Committee.
Assembly to be held December 3-14, 1998
in Harare, Zimbabwe with the theme "Turn to The Council also recommended Ms. YU
God, Rejoice in Hope". Bik-kit of Lutheran Theological Seminary,
Rev. LAM Chun-wai of the Anglican Diocese
While in Europe, the General Secretary and Mr. HO Wing-hon of the Chung Chi'
made visits to the Council of Churches of Theological Division to participate
Britain and Ireland, Christian Aid and met respectively in the consultation conference
with Rev. Bob Whyte, advisor to the of NE Asian Youth on Peace held in Osaka,
Archbishop of Canterbury from September Consultation on "Climate Change" held in
4-6. He also renewed acquaintance with Kyoto and the second annual Human Rights
Churches in Germany including EMW, Workshop in Bangkok, sponsored by CCA.
Hildershiem Mission for the Blind and EKD, Dr. KUNG Lap-yan was also invited to be
discussing the current situation of Hong speaker at the 1st annual Human Rights
Kong after the "handover" and Workshop held in Bangkok in November,
strengthening mutual relationships. 1997.

During the past year, many overseas church The General Secretary was invited to join
leaders and friends came to Hong Kong with the CCA leadership including the two
and made a visit to the Council, including Presidents, the General Secretary and the
the following: Mission for the Blind of IndoChina Program Secretary to visit
Germany; Church Mission Society of Vietnam December 12-15, 1997. In
England; Mr. Victor Hsu, Director of East addition to meeting with both Catholic and
Asia Program of National Council of Protestant leaders, the delegation met with
Churches of Christ USA; Evangelical high ranking government officials including
Lutheran Church of America seminarians Vice-president of the National Assembly,
led by Dr. John LeMond; Rev. Maren Director of Religious Affairs Bureau,
Vonderhayde from Hamburg, Germany; Dr. President of the National Peace Committee,
Edmond Tang of Council of Churches of etc. to have deeper understanding of the
Britain and Ireland; Dr. David Hirano of the Church and State relation in Vietnam.
United Church of Christ, USA; Mr. Jack
Arthey of Christian Aid; Dr. Ireson Roger, In May of this year, the Council joined with
General Secretary and Dr. Ken Yamada, CCA to invite 15 church leaders from
Associate General Secretary of the Board of Cambodia to visit Hong Kong. The Council
Higher Education of United Methodist made arrangements for the delegation's

54