Page 66 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

General Secretary's Report

( S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 9 t o A u g u s t 2 0 0 0 )

R e v . E r ic S .Y . S o

Forward

For those who are keen to ask, “Which year should Christianity in Hong Kong joined together to witness
be the beginning of the Millennium?" the question for our Lord Jesus Christ and to celebrate the
remains unanswered. However, in 1999, people all Millennium.
over the world enthusiastically involved themselves
in various activities for the celebration of the
As we look back at those events, the 45th
Millennium. Hong Kong of course was not anniversary of the Council was the one for counting
excluded. God’s grace. The Mission Consultation of the Hong
Kong Churches in the 2 1st Century was for exploring
In the second half of the year 1999, the Council held the future, while the Millennium Prayer Meeting was
several extraordinary events. Firstly, it was the 45th a witness in unity. They were held separately.
anniversary of the Council on September 17. However, they served as a reminder to us as we
During that day, we offered our thanksgiving to God entered into a new era that: (I) The Church is in
for His continuous guidance and mercy. Secondly, the midst of a historical process; W6 look back to the
the Mission Consultation of the Hong Kong past in order to plan for the future. (2) While we
Churches in the 21st Century was held during the
are remembering God’s bountiful grace, we also need
period of November 22-24. Through keynote to take up the current tasks that are entrusted to us
speeches and workshops, approximately 250 by the Lord and to carry them out enthusiastically.
participants from more than 50 denominations, (3) Those mission activities that are carried out
congregations and organizations joined together to without a spirit of unity will probably have a
discuss the church mission plan as we marched into negative impact, and the Church will be divided and
a new era. Thirdly, the Millennium Prayer Meeting in opposition to each other. Therefore, whatever

on the night of December 3 1 at Chater Garden was works the Church implements in earnest with a
jointly organized by the Protestant Church, the unified spirit surely will be a witness of our Lord
Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. among believers.
It was the first time the three major branches of

Work Report

Hong Kong Christian Council is formed by 2 1 reality that Christianity in Hong Kong has even wider
denominations, congregations and organizations. implications. It is not only representing Christians
The Annual General Meeting of last year resolved to
and churches, but also representing services in
accept the Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong different aspects that are provided by churches and
& South East Asia as member, broadening and Christian organizations.
deepening the spirit of church unity. In fact, the
composition of the Council's members reflects the
During last year, the Council's tasks can be

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