HONG KONG CHRISTIAN COUNCIL

Mission

The Hong Kong Christian Council is the ecumenical body of Christian churches, organizations and institutions in Hong Kong. Founded in 1954, the Council promotes a united witness and outreach to the whole society. It is the visible sign of church unity in Hong Kong, promoting the spirit and work of the ecumenical movement.

Address：9/F, Christian Ecumenical Building, 33 Granville Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tel : (852) 2368-7123 Fax : (852) 2724-2131 Email : [email protected] Website : www.hkcc.org.hk

2016/2017 Annual Report 1 Contents

Chairperson’s Remark ...... 3

2016-2017 Committee Members ...... 4 ˙Executive Committee ˙Finance Committee ˙Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee ˙Justice and Social Concern Committee ˙Mission and Ministerial Formation Committee ˙Communication and Message Committee ˙Church Unity and Relations Committee

Representatives of Churches / Denominations ...... 7

Representatives of Organizations ...... 8

Affi liated Organizations ...... 9

Hong Kong Christian Council Staff ...... 11

General Secretary's Report ...... 12

Committee Ministries ...... 18

˙Sharing and Church Witness Committee ˙Justice and Social Concern Committee - Ecumenical Formation Program - Eco-concern Program - Gender Justice Program

˙Mission and Ministerial Formation Committee ˙Communication and Message Committee ˙Church Unity and Relations Committee

English Ministries & Special Sundays ...... 28

Conclusion ...... 28

2 Hong Kong Christian Council Chairperson’s Remarks

Christian Unity Rev. Eric S.Y. So for Hong Kong

On July 1st this year, Hong Kong celebrated its of churches in Hong Kong. This Christian unity

20th anniversary of the establishment of the Special aims to witness to the Gospel and to serve the Chairperson’s Remarks Administrative Region. From the government’s community. Thus the unity in mission and service promulgation, Hong Kong is described as a legend for Hong Kong is our core mandate. Although in in Asia that will continue to be a vibrant city. 2016 HKCC had undergone a time of challenge Despite the many challenges that have occurred too because of the large scale of diverse opinions in the past two decades, the SAR government of as well as queries on the nomination of electors for Hong Kong still encouraged its people to value the the 2017 Chief Executive Election, the criticism and legacy and advantages which they have. At the pressures did not separate us from each other. Our same time they should envision a better future by member churches and organizations as well as the contributing their endeavors and talents to make it Executive Committee still could exercise mutual realized. respect and carry out unity in diversity as taught in the Bible to demonstrate that we are one in Christ. Nevertheless, besides the big monetary surplus and economic achievements, we also heard stories Despite diff erences in confessional articulations of struggles and the hardships faced by many poor and political positions, our commonality in the families. The Gini coefficient in 2016 reaching to confession of faith, in sharing the same eucharistic 0.539 indicates that the wealth gap has continued fellowship and in witnessing to the same Gospel to be alarming. At the same time, polarization can protect us from division. With this conviction in Hong Kong rising from such as controversies of unity, I believe that we can set an example to between political parties, tensions between the world that in Christ we are one in bringing love, employers and employees are also critical. Even justice, forgiveness, inclusion, faith and hope to the within churches, diverse positions on political world. issues have split Christians into camps.

In such a diversified context, what is the good The people of Hong Kong are living in a polarizing news proclaimed by churches in Hong Kong? How reality. Every day’s news is full of complaints, can Christians witness to the transforming power confrontations, and acts of ruthlessness. As we have of God to their fellow citizens and residents? What experienced God’s saving grace and blessing, are the messages which churches will bring to the we should live with gratitude and together share local community? love and care to our community. By the unity of churches, we can transform Hong Kong from a city At last year’s Annual General Meeting, I of disputes into a life-affi rming society. reiterated that HKCC is established for the unity

2016/2017 Annual Report 3 2016-2017 Committee Members

 Executive Committee 

Chairperson: Honorary Treasurer: Rev. So Shing-yit, Eric Mr. Lau Chun-chuen, Karl

1st Vice-Chairperson: Honorary Secretary: Bishop Chang Chun-wa Elder Dr. Wong Fook-yee

2nd Vice-Chairperson: Rev. Dr. Lam Sung-che 2016-2017 Committee Members

Elected Members: Ex-offi cio Members: Rev. Chan Kwok-keung Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Anderson Mrs. Cheung-Ang Siew-mei Mr. Peter Ho Rev. Dr. Chow Siu-chun, Simon Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon Rev. Kan Kei-piu, Paul Rev. Poon Kwong-fai Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching, Bob Mr. Jan-Eerik Leppänen Rev. Dr. Lo Lung-kwong Dr. Lui Wai-ling, Annissa Dr. Lo Wing-kwong, Pilgrim Rev. Margaret MW Mathieson Dr. Yick Kar-lim His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios Rev. Yuen Tin-yau Lt. Col. Ian Swan Rev. Yung Chuen-hung Rev. Tan Kok-soon, Alex Rev. Wong Ka-fai Dr. Tong Wing-sze

 Finance Committee 

Mr. Lau Chun-chuen, Karl (Chairperson) Dr. Lui Wai-ling, Annissa Rev. So Shing-yit, Eric (Ex-offi cio member) Mr. Tsang Fuk-chuen, Thomas Mr. Chow Siu-ngor Mr. Yuen Hoi-pak Mr. Fung Sau-chung Mr. Wu Siu-kee, Keith Mr. Alan Ho

4 Hong Kong Christian Council  Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee 

Dr. Yick Kar-lim (Chairperson) Rev. Dr. Li Ping-kwong Elder Dr. Wong Fook-yee Rev. Ma Wai-yee Rev. Simon Cheung Mr. Jan-Eerik Leppänen Mr. Cheung Shui-fung Mr. Peter Ho Mr. Leung Shun-kwong Mr. Cheuk Sai-ying

 Justice and Social Concern Committee 

Mrs. Cheung-Ang Siew-Mei (Chairperson) Mr. Alan Ho 2016-2017 Committee Members Dr. Tong Wing-sze Mr. Ramon Bultron Dr. Lo Wing-kwong, Pilgrim Rev. Wong Mei-fung, Phyllis Major On Dieu-quang (until January19, 2016) Rev. Chan Kit-ling Rev. Wong Ka-fai Ms. Wong Wai-fun, Fermi Rev. Augusta Leung Mr. Chan Ka-yan Rev. Wong Wai-cheong Mr. Suen Lai-Sang Rev. Poon Yuk-kuen, May Rev. Hans Lutz (Consultant) Ms. Cheung Oi-sze

 Mission and Ministerial Formation Committee 

Rev. Chan Kwok-keung (Chairperson) Rev. Tang Tat-wing Rev. Chan Wai-yin Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching, Bob Rev. Poon Yuk-kuen, May Rev. Li Siu-po Rev. Yung Chuen-hung Major Chan Hi-wai, Tommy Dr. Shu Tak-him

 Communication and Message Committee 

Rev. Kan Kei-pui (Chairperson) Ms. Cheung Oi-sze Rev. Cheung Mun-yee Mr. Thomas Cheng Rev. Leung Mei-ying Mr. Ho Tsang-hing Mr. Ng Sze-yuen

2016/2017 Annual Report 5  Church Unity and Relations Committee 

Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon Rev. Ma Wai-yee (Chairperson) Rev. Lau Kei-shing Mr. Poon Kwong-fai, Silas Rev. Cheung Chun-ying Elder Siu Sau-ching Fr. Peter Leung Mr. Alan Ho Dr. Connie Au Dr. Tong Wing-sze Prof. Mabel Wu Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Anderson Dr. Jason Lam Rev. Dr. Lam Sung-che Rev. Jonathan Chee Rev. Ip Tsz-leung Ms. Chan Suk-yee (until December 31, 2016) Rev. Ng Pik-shan, Bettsy Mrs. Helen Lee (from January 1, 2017) 2016-2017 Committee Members

 World Day of Prayer (Hong Kong) Committee  (From June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017)

Prof. Mabel Wu (Chairperson) Ms. Law Mei-kuen Canon Rev. Peter Douglas Koon Ms. Helen Ma (Ex-offi cio Member) Rev. Lee Woon-wah Ms. Alice Chan Mrs. Ngui-Ting Sing-hong Ms. Anna Cheng Rev. Shek Sau-wan Major Norris Cheung Ms. Terese Wong Mr. Alan Ho Ms. Marita Chan Ms. Vivian Ho Mrs. Alsess Siu Mr. Ivan Lam

Women’s Ministry Working Group 

(From January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017)

Mrs. Helen Lee (Convenor) Ms. Cynthia Kwok Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon (Consultant) Mrs. Mandy Lam Ms. Chan Suk-yee Ms. Terese Wong Ms. Anna Cheng Major Connie Ip Ms. Cho Yee-wai Ms. Tam Yuen-mei Major Alice Chou Ms. Anita Lam

6 Hong Kong Christian Council Representatives of Churches/ Denominations

The Hong Kong Council of  The Methodist Church,  The Church of Christ in China Hong Kong Mr. Fung Sau-chung Rev. Dr. Li Ping-kwong Rev. Cheung Yuk-nung Rev. Yuen Tin-yau Rev. Tang Tat-wing Mr. Ng Sze-yuen Rev. Wu Ping-kit Mr. Chen Seng-tek, Stuart Rev. Ng Pik-shan, Bettsy Rev. Poon Yuk-kuen, May Rev. Cheung Mun-yee Mr. Leung Shun-kwong Rev. Wong Ka-fai Mr. Ng Yip-lap, Frederick Rev. Ma Wai-yee Mrs. Ng Tsang Yuen-li

Rev. Wong Wai-cheong Mr. Wong Cho-kuen Representatives of Churches / Denominations Rev. Ma Chi-man Rev. Canon Dr Howard Mellor Elder Helen Shih Rev. Dr. Lo Lung-kwong ＊Rev. So Shing-yit, Eric ＊Rev. Lam Sung-che

The Evangelical Lutheran Hong Kong Japanese  Church of Hong Kong Christian Fellowship

Rev. Fong Sing-fong Rev. Shiba Mitsumasa Rev. Chan Wai-yin ＊Rev. Tan Kok-soon, Alex Rev. Law Suet-man Rev. Leung Mei-ying Union Church  Rev. Sun Sau-cheng Rev. Lau Kei-shing ＊Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Anderson Rev. Luk Chun-yiu Rev. Cheung Chun-ying German Speaking Evangelical  Rev. Chan Wing-on Lutheran Congregation in Hong Kong Elder So Ming-po Dr. Jan Depner Dr. Lau Wai-hoi ＊Bishop Chang Chun-wa Kowloon Union Church Mr. Ramon Bultron ＊Rev. Margaret MW Mathieson The Salvation Army Major On Dieu-quang The Orthodox Metropolitanate of  Major Connie Ip Hong Kong and South East Asia ＊Lieut.-Colonel Ian Swan Mr. Alan Ho ＊His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios

Members with ＊ are appointed Executive Members – including ex-officio representatives of the founding members and class of 2015/17 ex-officio representatives from the other members

2016/2017 Annual Report 7 Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui  Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching, Bob Rev. Augusta Leung Elder Siu Sau-ching Rev. Chan Kwok-keung Rev. Dr. Chu Wing-sang Rev. Ip Tsz-leung, Billy Elder Yau Chung-wan Rev. Simon Cheung Mr. Liu Man-kin Rev. Chow Wai-man, Joseph Ms. Cheung Oi-sze Mr. Cheung Shui-fung Mr. Lam Hei-wei, Arthur Mr. Lam Chun-hei Representatives of Churches / Denominations Representatives of Organization Rev. Dr. Ho Sin-pan, Daniel Mr. Chow Siu-ngor ＊Elder Dr. Wong Fook-yee Mr. Au Chi-wei, David Mr. Ng Chi-sum Mr. Lo Kwok-ki ＊Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon Representatives of Organizations

Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong Lutheran  Hong Kong Social Service, LC-HKS Rev. Lau Yan-tak Rev. Li Yat-shing, Daniel ＊Mr. Lau Chun-chuen, Karl ＊Dr. Lui Wai-ling, Annissa

Chinese Christian  Hong Kong Young Women’s  Literature Council Christian Association Rev. Yung Chuen-hung Dr. Tse Yu Yuet-kwan Dr. Yick Kar-lim ＊Mr. Poon Kwong-fai, Silas

Hong Kong Bible Society YMCA of Hong Kong Rev. Kan Kei-piu, Paul Mrs. Catherine Chan Rev. Man Chi-on, Steve ＊Mr. Peter Ho

The Finnish Evangelical  Christian Action Lutheran Mission Mrs. Cheung-Ang Siew-mei Ms. Matleena Kukkonen Ms. Kwan K.M., Dora ＊Mr. Jan-Eerik Leppänen

Lutheran Theological  Tao Fong Shan  Seminary Christian Centre Dr. Lo Wing-kwong, Pilgrim Dr. Shu Tak-him Dr. Chow Siu-chun, Simon ＊Dr. Tong Wing-sze

Members with ＊ are appointed Executive Members – including ex-officio representatives of the founding members and class of 2015/17 ex-officio representatives from the other members

8 Hong Kong Christian Council Affi liated Organizations

Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation Board of Governors 2017 Chairman: Dr. Pamela M.K. LEUNG, JP Secretary: Dr. Calvin K.F. LEUNG Vice-Chairman: Mr. Wilson Y.S. MOK Honorary Legal Advisor: Mr. Herman H.C. TSOI Honorary Treasurer: Mr. Derek M.F. CHAN Ex-officio Governors: Governors: Dr. Chi-yin MAN (Medical Governor) ＊Bishop Rev. Ben C.W. CHANG Ms. Gigi S.C. FUNG (Nursing Governor) Ms. Michelle Y.W. CHOW Dr. Calvin K.F. LEUNG (Administrative Governor) The Revd. Canon Peter Douglas H.M. Observers:

KOON, BBS, OStJ Affiliated Organizations Mr. Terence W.M. CHAM ＊Prof. Simon S.M. KWAN Dr. Raymond C.I. CHEN ＊Mr. Michael K.C. LAI, BBS, MH, JP Dr. Tak-yi CHUI (until 6 August 2017) Mr. Roger C.W. LEE Ms. Rita C.Y. KWAN (until 22 August 2017) Mr. John K.H. LI, MH Dr. Chor-chiu LAU, GMSM, MH ＊Rev. Kam-cheong PO Mr. Alexander C.C. LAW ＊Elder Siu-ching SIU Ms. Winnie W.K. LEE (since 23 August 2017) Mr. Herman H.C. TSOI Ms. Julie S.N. LI Honorary Governors: Dr. Andrew L. LUK Mr. Roland K.C. CHOW Mr. Lawrence Y.W. POON (until 28 February 2017) Mr. Sau-chung FUNG Ms. Alice S.Y. SHAM Dr. George H.C. HUNG Mr. Christopher K.O. SO Ms. Siu-wah KO, SBS, OBE, JP Dr. Kam-tim TOM (since 7 August 2017) Canon Fook-hing LI, OBE Ms. Mandy Y.C. YEUNG Mrs. June LI Rev. Dr. Ping-kwong LI, SBS The Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Y.P. SOO, JP Prof. Sheung-wai TAM, GBS, OBE, JP

Hong Kong Christian Service Management Committee 2016/2017

Chairman: ＊Rev Eric So Shing Yit Honorary Treasurer: Dr. Law Chi Kwong (Up to June 21, 2017) Vice-Chairman: Dr. Darwin Chen Honorary Secretary: Miss Connie Tsui Suet Mui Committee Members: ＊Bishop Chang Chun Wa ＊Dr. Annissa Lui Wai Ling ＊Mrs. Cheung-Ang Siew Mei, JP ＊Rev. Po Kam Cheong Mr. Stephen Hui Chin Yim ＊Elder Dr. Wong Fook Yee ＊Rev. Dr. Lam Sung Che ＊Rev. Yung Chuen Hung ＊Mr. Lau Chun Chuen ＊Nominated by the Hong Kong Christian Council

2016/2017 Annual Report 9 Christian Family Service Centre Board of Directors 2017

Chairman: Mr. Nicholas Chiu Sai-chuen, Honorary Treasurer: Rev. Daniel Li Yat-shing B.B.S., M.B.E., J.P. Honorary Miss Dorothy Cheng Tai-ngar Vice-Chairman: Professor Alex Legal Advisor: Miss Cherry Wong Wai-man Kwan Yui-huen Chief Executive: Mr. Kwok Lit-tung Member: ＊Mr. Lau Chun-Chuen, Karl ＊Mr. Thomas Tsang Fuk-chuen ＊Rev. Po Kam Cheong Miss Nora Yau Ho-chun, M.H., J.P. Mr. Cheng Wing For Rev. Yung Chuen-hung The Hon. Madam Justice Maggie Poon ＊Mr. Kwok Wai-keung ＊Mr. Chow Siu-ngor ＊Rev. Wong Chak-tong

Affiliated Organizations ＊Rev. Chan Wing-on Mr. Antonio Kwong Cho Shing, M.H.

United Christian Medical Service Board of Directors 2017

Chairman: Mr. CHAN Man Foon, Derek Honorary Treasurer: Mr. LI Man Toa, Michael Vice-Chairman: Mr. LI Kwok Heem, John, MH Honorary Legal Advisor: Mr. TSOI Hak Kong, Herbert, BBS JP Directors: Honorary Directors: Ms. CHOW Yan Tse, Margot Mr. CHOW Kun Chee, Roland Mr. WONG Tat Kee, David Canon LI Fook Hing, OBE Ms. WONG Yuen Ling, Grace Mrs. LI June ＊Vice Bishop FONG Sing Fong, Abraham Dr. NIP Kam Fan, OBE ＊Rev. KAN Kei Piu, Paul Prof. TAM Sheung Wai, GBS OBE JP ＊Rt. Rev. Dr. KWOK Chi Pei, Timothy Rt. Rev. TSUI Tsan Sang, Louis ＊Mr. LAU Chun Chuen, Karl Dr. YUK Tak Fun, Alice, BBS JP ＊Rev. PO Kam Cheong ＊Mr. TSANG Fuk Chuen, Thomas Observers: ＊Rev. YU Yan Ming Dr. MAN Chi Yin ＊Rev. YUNG Chuen Hung Dr. LAU Chor Chiu, MH Mr. LAW Chak Chuen, Alexander Mr. LEE Chi Yuen, Lawrence Dr. LEUNG Kit Fong, Calvin Ex-Offi cio Directors: Miss SIN Yuk Ching, Beatrix Mr. CHAM Wai Man, Terence, Administrative Director In Attendance: Dr. CHUI Tak Yi, Medical Director Mr. SO Kwok On, Christopher Ms. SHAM So Yuen, Alice, Nursing Director Secretary: Mr. CHAM Wai Man, Terence, Administrative Director

＊Nominated by the Hong Kong Christian Council

10 Hong Kong Christian Council Hong Kong Christian Council Staff Communications General Secretary  Rev. Po Kam-cheong Executive Secretary for Communications Secretary Rev. Judy Chan (Sponsored by the United Church of Christ, Ms. Leung Chung-yan, Wincy Disciples of Christ and Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.) Executive Secretary Religious Communications Trainee Ms. Della Lee (Finance & Administration) Ms. Rune Marie Hefty Nielsen Hong Kong Christian Council Staff (from July 21, 2016 to January 20, 2017) Assistant Executive Secretary   Mr. Wan Hoi-Wing Program Coordinator Ms. Kung Ka-wai, Winnie Ms. Kammy Fung

Project Offi cer Program Producer, (Ecumenical Formation) Executive Secretary Ms. Leung Wai-man Ms. Miann Chan (Sponsored by CWM/Nethersole Fund) Five Loaves and  Eco-concern and Gender Two Fish Project Justice Project Offi cer   Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, Jessica Executive Secretary (Sponsored by CWM/Nethersole Fund) Ms. Wong Yuk-ha, Winnie

IT Secretary and Clerk Assistant Executive Secretary Mr. Law Ka-lok Mr. Jeff Kwong

Secretariat Clerk Project Offi cer II Mr. Wan Ka-keung, Andy Ms. Chan Mei-yum Ms. Lee Yuk-fan, Wendy Cashier/Accounting Clerk Mrs. Ng-Kwong Wai-bing, Anna Mrs. Lee-Kwong Chui-ha, Amy

2016/2017 Annual Report 11 General Secretary’s Report

(From September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017) Pilgrimage for Unity Rev. Po Kam-cheong Last year, after the U.S. Presidential election, the and environmental issues like global warming, General Secretary’s Report President-elect said that he would concentrate his everybody has his/her responsibility and the entire time and energy on internal issues. But, for certain, earth is aff ected. the U.S. could not get away from international During these nine years, I wrote up the reports affairs. Since the new leader in North Korea is on regional and international meetings that I had continuously strengthening their military power attended to raise up the concern of churches and and has conducted nuclear tests, the U.S. had to Christians to world and ecumenical concerns. react and the tension between these two countries After the 10th Assembly of the World Council of has heightened. At the time of writing this report, Churches, HKCC with the support from the Chinese the leaders of both countries were still taunting Christian Literature Council published “The Lord each other. Other countries like South Korea only of Life, Lead Us to Justice and Peace: Documents have the role of following the steps of the U.S. of the WCC 10th Assembly”, hoping that the Hong Hong Kong is a part of North-East Asia and has a Kong churches and Christians would care more to close relationship with the church in South Korea. build up an ecumenical perspective on theological The South Korean Church continuously tried to refl ection. develop the relationship with the North Korean Church. The civil society was also doing the same The other important task of the Council is to thing. It is hoped for the sake of the people, that voice out on important social issues in Hong Kong, the governments on both sides will not decide to either in response to government consultations go to war, but use all their eff orts to solve disputes. or actively express our views on social policies or To be a peacemaker is not an easy job in difficult issues. The Church is not the government, we don’t conditions. In polarized situations, those who need to endorse what the government had done. advocate for peace often will be seen as weak and The Church is not a political party, we don’t need to even treasonous. Then, how could the Church be a gain the votes from the citizens. The Church cares peacemaker in the world? for the society because this is a concern originating from our faith. The work of the Council to speak One of my jobs in the Council is to liaise with out on social issues is like a fi re alarm, to alert the churches in other parts of the world and express society to take suitable actions. Of course, there an ecumenical concern. I hope to help Christians may be false alarms and we were all frightened. in Hong Kong to develop a sense of an ecumenical But if we dismantle the alarm because it’s too church and care for the world, because we believe noisy, when there’s a fire, we will not escape. The that the Lord is the creator, sustainer and savior Council issued many statements and responded of the whole world. Especially in the 21st century, to many government consultations. We also held we are in a global village. Things that happen in consultations and discussed important social the other parts of the world will aff ect us in great or issues. All of these could be understood from this small ways. For example, war will affect the world perspective. Although, sometimes, these statements economy, refugees issues will be a challenge to or views might not be shared by all members, I still many countries, nuclear war will affect the whole urge all of you to support the role of the Council as world, and nuclear radiation will not stop when an alarm signal. it reaches national boundaries. On ecological

12 Hong Kong Christian Council Another important task of the Council is to work by the Justice and Social for church unity. 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Concern Committee (JSCC) on Reformation. The Lutheran Church and the Catholic March 23, 2017 for reference. Church drafted “From Conflict to Communion” in remembrance of the Reformation, hoping that the 1.4 JSCC issued the “The Statement church will go in the direction of unity and not splits. of Justice and Social Concern Committee of The Council also jointly organized a trip for Unity Hong Kong Christian Council on the Incident of and several talks with the Diocesan Ecumenical Four Legislators being Stripped of Their Seats” Commission of the Catholic Church to facilitate our on July 21, 2017, hoping that the government fellowship and to seek the path to unity together. On will actively seek solutions to build social stability October 31, 2017, the Council will jointly organize a and resolve confl icts. united worship service with the Hong Kong Lutheran Federation to commemorate the 500th anniversary 2. On Unity of the Reformation and to express the spirit of unity. 2.1 To commemorate the 500th Anniversary Jesus Christ taught his disciples in the Sermon of the Reformation, the Council and the on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical Commission organized “A Trip for Church Unity” they will be called children of God. Blessed are General Secretary’s Report those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: to Wittenberg, Augsburg, Trent and Rome for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:9-10, from May 28-June 9, 2017. Participants also NRSV). Besides loving others and making peace visited the Pontifical Council for Promoting with others, the church should speak out for justice Christian Unity, the Anglican Centre in Rome, and be ready to pay the price any time. This is the and the Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome. same in the past, present and surely the same in Participants joined the Wednesday General the future. Audience held by Pope Francis at the Vatican. During the trip, 24 participants from different A. Hong Kong denominations and church traditions learned more 1. Society about the past of the church and eff orts made on unity. They also built up a closer relationship and 1.1 Election of the Election Committee members strong fellowship with each other. From October to November 2016, according to the decision of the Executive Committee and Extraordinary General Meeting of the Council, ten election committee members (Christians Electors in short) were elected through the drawing of lots. Then, the Council organized a sharing session for the Christians Electors and other Electors who are also Christians to share with the public their expectations of the new Chief Executive. It will be a reference for their choice of Chief Executive candidates as well. After the election of the Chief Executive, the Council also invited several renowned Christians and non-Christians to review the Meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. whole process and give their suggestions to the Council. 2.2 The joint worship service for commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is 1.2 A letter was sent on March 3, 2017 to Mrs. Carrie organized by the Hong Kong Lutheran Federation Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the Chief Executive and the Hong Kong Christian Council. It will candidate of The Government of the Hong Kong take place on October 31, 2017 (Tue) at Queen Special Administrative Region, on her proposal Elizabeth Stadium. Most of the preparatory work of establishment of a “Religious Affairs Unit”. has been completed. HKCC received a reply that the proposal had 2.3 The following ministries of the Task Force on been withdrawn from consideration. Theological Exchange, initiated by Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical Commission and 1.3 The statement of the “Expectation on the HKSAR Church Unity and Relations Committee, are New-term Government” was sent to the public ongoing.

2016/2017 Annual Report 13 i. Joint Translation of Nicene Creed of Sexual Harassment within Churches” and had dozens of responses. Afterwards, all the After a consultation process over a year, materials will be analyzed and the results of the in accordance with the translations from survey will be publicized. biblical Greek and church texts, a common Chinese version of the Nicene Creed is For details, please refer to the report of Gender nearly completed. An invitation was sent Justice Ministry of the Justice and Social Concern to denominations and churches for use in Committee. worship services. ii. Seminar on 500th Anniversary of the 4. Eco Concern Ministry Reformation 4.1 The Council has employed an Eco-concern Two seminars were organized by the Project Officer since July 2013 to promote the Theological Task Force: ministry of Eco Concern. We are grateful for the funding of HK$100,000 from CWM/Nethersole Jointly organized by Theological Exchange Fund. This amount helps sustain the ministry. Task Force with HK Methodist Church 4.2 The General Secretary and the responsible General Secretary’s Report Date: April 25, 2017 (Tue) Project Officer Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, Jessica Theme: The Reformation from Historical and participated in the East Asia Regional Conference Theological Perspectives on Creation Care and the Gospel of Lausanne Speakers: Fr. Kwok Wai-ki, Dr. Francis Yip Movement, which took place in Taiwan from Attendance: 150 people July 24-28, 2017.More than 20 participants from Hong Kong decided to form a network to Date: September 28, 2017 (Thu) promote ecological justice in churches and plan Theme: Prospect of the Ecumenical Movement to have a consultation in Hong Kong. Speakers: Fr. Peter Choy Wai-man, Rev. Po 4.3 Cheung Chau Bradbury Retreat Centre has Kam-cheong been returned to HKCC from Hong Kong

th Christian Service as of April 1, 2016. After the iii. Seminar of “500 Anniversary of the completion of repair work, the centre has been Reformation” opened to individuals and or g a n i z a t i o n s f o r Date: November 10, 2017 (Fri) booking. The operation cost is almost at the Theme: “From Confl ict to Communion” break-even point. Receive support and participation from the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, CUHK; For details, please refer to the report of Eco Holy Spirit Seminary; Lutheran Theological Concern Ministry of the Justice and Social Seminary; and HKSKH Ming Hua Theological Concern Committee. College. 5. Ecumenical Formation 2.4 Taize Community activities 5.1 With funding and support from CWM/Nethersole The Taize Community organized a Public Briefi ng Fund, the American Baptist Church, the Hong Session and Asian Youth Meeting. The Council Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China, expressed our support to the related activities. and the Methodist Church Hong Kong, HKCC continued to organize the Ecumenical Movement 3. Gender Justice Ministry Summer Internship Program. We thank the 3.1 The Council has employed a Gender Justice CWM/Nethersole Fund for their financial Project Officer since June 2013 to promote the support. This amount helps sustain the ministry. ministry of gender justice with the support of the working group. We are grateful for the funding 5.2 There were a total of nine participants. They of HK$100,000 from CWM/Nethersole Fund. were divided into four groups to focus on Eco- This amount helps sustain the ministry. justice, Gender, Community Pastoring and Policy Advocacy. Many organizations and local churches also provided placements for 3.2 On August 2017, the working group initiated the participants. It is hoped that through this the project “Break the Silence – Collect Cases

14 Hong Kong Christian Council internship program, more young people will 8. The Mission and Ministerial share the ecumenical spirit and strengthen the Formation Committee during ecumenical movement. the past year regularly visited churches in mainland China For details, please refer to the report of to conduct training workshops in Ecumenical Formation of the Justice and Social Hainan Province. Concern Committee. 9. Last year, the Sharing and Church Witness B. China Committee sponsored 792 rural China orphans, 1. As a board member of CWM/Nethersole Fund 934 needy children, 765 senior high school sent by the Council, the General Secretary joined students, and 744 university students from rural a delegation that took place from September areas (Project Torch). Seven collapsing schools 3-9, 2016 to Urumqi, Xinjiang under mainland were also rebuilt. Except for some of the rural subsidized projects of CWM/Nethersole Fund. orphans and needy children from other regions, most of them are in the Mainland. 2. The General Secretary attended the National Day Celebration in Beijing, China from September

28-October 1, 2016. C. Asia General Secretary’s Report 1.The General Secretary participated in the 3. As invited by the Committee of Three-Self “International Ecumenical Conference on a Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches Peace Treaty for the Korean Peninsula” of the in Guangdong and the Guangdong Christian World Council of Churches from November Council, a delegation visit took place from 14-16, 2016, and served as local host. This October 19-21, 2016 to enhance the connections conference gave the leaders of North Korea with each other. and South Korea the opportunity to express their desire for peace between the two countries. 4. The delegation from HKCC visited the China Christian Council & State Administration for 2. The General Secretary attended the “Churches’ Religious Affairs of P.R.C. in Shanghai and Beijing Forum on Peace and People’s Security in from November 1-4, 2016 to strengthen the North East Asia” and AGM of the National connections with each other, and to understand Council of Churches in Korea, which were the impact of the revision of the religious affairs held in Seoul, Korea from November 27-30, laws on church development. 2016. The meeting discussed the possibility of organizing a Peace School in Taiwan in 2017 5. The General Secretary attended the 12th Forum and a Peace Boat Journey in 2018. on theme of “The Social Role and Impact of Christianity in Contemporary China”, in Nanjing 3. The General Secretary attended the from November 7-10, 2016, and presented a “International Forum on the Mission of the paper on “Care for the Ecology from a Biblical Church in Taiwan Today” of the Presbyterian Perspective”. Church in Taiwan (PCT) from February 13- 17, 2017, and the Churches’ Forum on Peace 6. The General Secretary was invited by the Amity and People’s Security in North East Asia. Foundation to join the seminar of the Law of the It was an opportunity to develop a deeper People’s Republic of China on the Administration understanding of the history of the PCT, their of Activities of Overseas Non-Governmental active participation in the ecumenical church, Organizations within the territory in China, in their struggle in the prophetic role of the Nanjing from May 24-26, 2017. The purpose church and fight for social justice, and their was to understand the impact of relevant laws ability to articulate in theological reflection on activities carried out by overseas non- and deliberation. Because of the isolation of governmental organizations and churches in the Taiwan, they earnestly need the understanding Mainland. and support from the ecumenical church.

7. The General Secretary participated in the Yunnan 4. In the past few years, the Sharing and Church delegation of the Colloquium of Six Religious Witness Committee sponsored needy children Leaders Secretariat from June 30-July 3, 2017 to in Myanmar and Cambodia and built some new enhance the connections with each other. schools. The Council hopes that the donors

2016/2017 Annual Report 15 will have a wide perspective on the needs of other countries. For details, please refer to the report of Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee.

D. The World The "Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management for an Economy of Life" of WCC was held at Tao Fong Shan from August 22-September 2, 2016. The Council was responsible for hosting the event. Delegation to the Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in Guangdong E. Ministry Report and the Guangdong Christian Council. For details of the ministries of the Council, November Delegation to the China Christian Council please refer to the related committee reports. 5 1-4, 2016 in Shanghai & Beijing

General Secretary’s Report Attended the 12th Forum of “Social Role F. Finance November 6 and Impact of Christianity in China" in 7-10, 2016 The deficit of the 2016-2017 financial year, after Nanjing auditing, is over HKD3,300,000. It is hoped Reception of the delegation of the Three- that member churches and organizations will December Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant 7 continue to support the ministries and expenses 6, 2016 Churches in Shanghai and the Shanghai of the Council so that the ecumenical work will Christian Council continue to flourish. Attended the meeting of CWM/Nethersole Fund and met with Elder Fu Xian-wei, G. The Redevelopment of Kwun Tong December President of the Three-Self Patriotic 8 Vocational Training Centre 12, 2016 Movement of the Protestant Churches in China, and staff of China Christian The government is currently reviewing our Council application to change its land use for social Reception of Mr. Gu Meng-fei and Elder services and a youth hostel. The Christian December Fu Xian-wei, President of the Three-Self 9 Ecumenical Building also had a decades-long 15, 2016 Patriotic Movement of the Protestant history and it is time to consider renovation or Churches in China, and others other possibility of development. January Attended the dedication of Tianhe 10 14, 2017 Church in Guangzhou H. Connection with the Church and Attended the dinner reception for the February pastors from Mainland China, organized meetings in Mainland China: 11 22, 2017 by Mission and Ministerial Formation Date Item Committee Delegation to Xinjiang, under mainland September Attended the seminar on the Law of 1 subsidized projects of CWM/Nethersole 3-7, 2016 the People’s Republic of China on the Fund May 24-26, Administration of Activities of Overseas 12 September 2017 Non-Governmental Organizations in Attended the National Day Celebration in 2 28 - Oct 1, the Mainland of China, held in Nanjing, Beijing, China 2016 organized by Amity Foundation Delegation to the Committee of Three- October June 16, Reception of minister from Maoming Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant 13 3 19-21, 2017 City, Guangdong Province Churches in Guangdong and the 2016 June 19, Reception of the minister from Qingyuan Guangdong Christian Council 14 2017 City, Guangdong Province Attended the seminar of the 20th Anniversary October of commemorating the death of Rev. June 30 Participated in the Yunnan delegation 4 25, 2016 Canon Ho Sai-ming cum Christianity in 15 – July 3, of Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders China 2017 Secretariat

16 Hong Kong Christian Council I. Connection with overseas church July Attended the Regional Consultation of and meetings: 17 10-13, Christian Conference of Asia in Chiang 2017 Mai Date Item Attended the cultural night banquet of Attended the "Ecumenical School on July 14, th Aug 22 18 the 7 World Federation of the Chinese Governance, Economics and Management 2017 1 – Sept 2, Methodist Churches for an Economy of Life" of WCC at Tao 2016 July 17, Reception of Bishop Elorde Sambat of Fong Shan and served as local host 19 2017 United Church of Christ in the Philippines Met and had lunch with Dr. Mathews September 2 George, General Secretary of Christian July Attended the meeting of Creation Care 27, 2016 Conference of Asia 20 24-28, for the Lausanne Movement in Hsinchu, 2017 Taiwan Reception of Mr. Rolf Steffansson, October 3 Deputy Executive Director of The Finnish Reception of Ms. Christine Elliott, 28, 2016 August 14, Evangelical Lutheran Mission and others 21 Director for World Church Programmes, 2017 November Reception of Brother Ghislain of Taizé Churches Together in Britain and Ireland 4 14, 2016 and others Attended the conference of “International November General Secretary’s Report Ecumenical Conference on a Peace 5 14-16, Treaty for the Korean Peninsula” of the 2016 World Council of Churches Attended the “Churches’ Forum on Peace November and People’s Security in North East Asia” 6 27-30, and AGM of National Council of Churches 2016 in Korea, which were held in Seoul, Korea February Reception of Mr. David Addington, Chief 7 10, 2017 Operating Offi cer of Inspired Exhibit

Attended the “International Forum on the Group photo of the Churches' Forum on Peace February Mission of the Church in Taiwan Today” and People's Security in North East Asia. 8 13-17, of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, 2017 and the Churches’ Forum on Peace and People’s Security in North East Asia J. People at a Glance: Attended the opening ceremony of the February Bible (Torah) exhibition at Salisbury 1. Mr. Philip Lam, Former Executive Secretary, 9 28, 2017 YMCA and gave benediction at the passed away on June 10, 2017. ceremony 2. Cardinal John Tong of The Catholic Diocese of Reception of Dr. Mathews George, March 3, Hong Kong retired on August 1, 2017. 10 General Secretary of Christian Conference 2017 of Asia 3. The Most Reverend Michael Yeung became the March 7, Reception of Mr. Hannington Muyenje, Eighth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong 11 2017 Senior Associate of Tear Fund, UK Kong on August 1, 2017. March 23, Attended the opening and preview of 4. Dr. Chui Tak-yi, Chief Executive of United Christian 12 2017 Bible exhibition of Inspired Exhibit Hospital, retired on August 7, 2017. Reception of Dr. Mathews George, May 17, 5. Dr. Tam Kam-tim took up the post of Cluster Chief 13 General Secretary of Christian Conference 2017 Executive (Kowloon East) and Hospital Chief of Asia Executive of United Christian Hospital with effect May 18, Reception of Rev. Dr. Chan Shun-lai of from August 7, 2017. 14 2017 American Baptist Church May 27, Reception of Mr. Steve Pearce, Methodist 15 2017 Church in Britain May28 Trip for Church Unity cum Commemoration 16 – June 9, of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation 2017 in Germany and Italy

2016/2017 Annual Report 17 Committee Item Report till Aug 2017 Percentage 1. Children under sponsorship 934 Ministries 2. Sponsors 486 3.Children under Resource Sharing and sponsorship in China Church Witness Committee A. Anhui 425 45.5 B. Shandong 222 23.8 The Committee is chaired by Dr. Yick Kar-lim, C. Yunnan 107 11.4 Lawrence. Executive staff is Ms. Wong Yuk-ha, 4.Children under Winnie. The "Five Loaves and Two Fish Program" sponsorship in other is the resources sharing program of the Council that countries manages the following projects: A. Myanmar 80 8.6 A. Rural China Orphan Sponsorship B. Cambodia 100 10.7 Project Program Highlights The project is to support rural orphans in poor Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee districts in China so that they could grow up in a This project started its concern for the children more stable environment. The cost of sponsoring in Myanmar and Cambodia from 2015. Staff an orphan is HK$2,500 per year. Project details of regularly paid on-site visits in person, dealing with 2016/17 are as follows: local NGOs and learned about the actual situations of the children there. The sponsorship of these Item Report till Aug 2017 Percentage needy children started from the academic year of 2016-17 with a total number of 180 children under 1. Orphans under 792 sponsorship sponsorship. It is hoped to have more concern 2. Sponsors 568 and support to these needy children who are still 3. Provinces under struggling for a basic livelihood. sponsorship A. Shandong 35 4 C. Rebuilding Collapsing Schools Project B. Anhui 736 93 This project aims to build safe and well equipped D. Jiangsu 6 1 school buildings in the poor mountain areas so that E. Ningxia 15 2 students are able to finish their school studies in a proper environment. In 2016/17, seven schools were Total 792 100 built at the cost of HK$1,974,000. School name list and the funding amount are shown in the following B. Needy Children Sponsorship Program table: This project was set up in September 2014 and Amount aims to support the children who live in deprived Old School Name New School rural areas in China, Myanmar and Cambodia. Name (HK$) Though they are not parentless, their families are 1.Gansu Province Ding Xi City Xi Yan No. 24 living in adverse conditions. Some children are in Long Xi County Qian He Primary 330,000 Primary School School great need as their parents are absent for a few years or have suffered critical illnesses, or even 2.Gansu Province Ding Xi City Xi Yan No. 25 Long Xi County Sha Jia Primary 330,000 imprisoned. The annual sponsorship fee for one Zhuang Primary School School Needy Child is HK$2,500. Project details of 2016/17 are as follows: 3.Yunnan Province Fu Ning Yun Chang County Gu La Village An Na Teaching 275,000 Primary School Building 4.Yunnan Province Fu Ning County Han Qing Li Da Village Xi Keng Primary Ping 275,000 School Dormitory 5. Su Hta Village School, Myanmar 194,000 6. Thay Yar Yu Village School, 220,000 Myanmar 7. Mayangone High School, 350,000 Myanmar Recipient family of the Needy Children Sponsorship Program in Cambodia Total Subsidy: 1,974,000

18 Hong Kong Christian Council Program Highlights only provide fi nancial support, 1. Rural school visit delegation was organized but also encourage a mentor during April 18-21, 2017, visiting fi ve sponsored relationship with their sponsored schools and conducting opening ceremonies in students. The cost of sponsoring an Yunnan Province. They were: undergraduate student is HK$8,500 per year. The sponsorship amount is • Hua Jia Village Da Mu Primary School (Zhang mainly for daily living expenses as well as lodging. Shi Teaching Building) with 116 students Students are also encouraged to apply for university • Li Da Village Zhong Ba Primary School (Wen or government grants and subsidies to pay for their Jie Ke Teaching Building) with 144 students tuition fees. The sponsorship details of 2016/17 are • Li Da Village Xi Keng Primary School (Han listed below (Report till August 2017): Qing Ping Teaching Building) with 148 students No. of students Freshmen Graduates • Li Da Village Long Ping Primary School (Bao Distribution of Students under in 2016-17 in 2017 Yu Xing Foundation Teaching Building) with sponsorship 129 students 1.Yunnan Area A. Kunming Medical • Dong Bo Yao Zhu Village Bo Bu Primary School 84 / 40 (Guang Ai Building) with 61 students University

B. Yunnan Wuding County 12 Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee 2. Two schools in Myanmar, i.e. Su Hta Village C. Yunnan Wei Shan County 16 School and Thay Yar Yu Village School, held and Yong Ping County their opening ceremonies in mid-February. HKCC D. Guizhou / 24 7 staff and representative of donors conducted the opening ceremonies there. A stone-laying Sub Total 84 52 40 ceremony also took place in Mayangone High 2.Managed by YWCA, School. The construction of the high school Nanjing 140 building will be completed by end of this year. A. Students from diff erent (incl.3 MA 62 74 districts Students) B. Shaoguan University 60 20 4 School of Medicine C. Shaoguan University School of Medicine 19 / 19 (Technical School) D. Lu Jiang County / 20 / E. Anhui Province / 40 / (Li Xin & Yu An) F. Jiang Su Province / 13 / G. Fujian University of Opening ceremony of a primary school in Myanmar 103 / 39 Technology Sub Total 322 155 136 D. Senior High School Scholarship 3. Sichuan Province Project Sichuan Liangshan 95 33 29 This project is to fill the gap following the Prefecture implementation of 9-year compulsory education Sub Total 95 33 29 with three years of senior high school education. 4. Others The annual fee for sponsoring a senior high school A. Students from Cambodia 3 / / student is HK$3,000. The sponsorship details of Sub Total 3 / / 2016/2017 are as follows: Total no. of students Item Report till Aug 2017 under sponsorship (including students under the 1. Senior high school students 765 Senior High School Scholarship 504 240 205 sponsored Project/ Rural China Orphan Sponsorship Project who have 2. Sponsors 426 been promoted to universities) Total no of graduates E. Project Torch (* including 159 graduates 1,328 during the year 2016) This project aims at supporting outstanding students in rural areas by helping them complete Total no. of past donors 918 their undergraduate university study. Sponsors not Total no. of present donors 333 2016/2017 Annual Report 19 Project Highlights: more than 8 million people were under influence at different levels. On May 12, a magnitude of 7.3 A gathering with 93 students who are under the earthquake struck again, and many thousands sponsorship of this project was held on February 4 more were injured and many homes were either in Xi Chang, Sichuan. A home visit to three students damaged or destroyed. The Council therefore jointly and activities in Qiong Hai also took place. worked with “Habitat for Humanity” for a project to build 87 homes in Pipaltar Community. The project F. Rural Village Development Project was completed in April this year and families start Donor representative accompanied by HKCC to settle themselves in new houses. HKCC staff staff visited Yangon, Myanmar during February 13- paid visit to Nepal during April 28 to May 3 and went 16. Due to heavy rainfall that caused wide fl ooding to the Community to have a close contact with the there, many paddy fields were damaged. In order families there. to resume normal farming, the paddy fields need to be rehabilitated by related equipment. A funding H. Lent 2017“Hunger and Poverty – of USD 6000 was given by a donor for purchasing Pastors to Fast and Pray”Fundraising three sets of machinery. The visit during this period Event of Five Loaves and Two Fish witnessed the positive results of paddy fields after Projects Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee rehabilitation. An Ash Wednesday Service and the Kick-off Ceremony of “Hunger and Poverty – Pastors to Fast and Pray” fundraising event took place on March 1, 2017 at China Congregational Church. The raised funding allocation is as follows: A: Water Cellars in Gansu = HK$14,872 B: Water Purifying Sets in Myanmar = HK$7,872 C: Five Loaves & Two Fish Fund = HK$44,096.50 Total amount: HK$66,840.50

I. Others 1. The themes of the newsletter of “Five Loaves New houses in Nepal were built after the earthquake & Two Fish” during 2016-2017 are: 36th issue –“Give” and “Take”- Role Exchange; 37th issue – G. Nepal Earthquakes “Come, Children Come". A magnitude of 7.8 severe earthquake struck 2. An appeal was made by “Five Loaves & Two near the city of Kathmandu in central Nepal on Fish” to individuals and churches for supporting April 25, 2015. According to the estimation of the the printing and posting fees of the newsletter. United Nations, about 39 districts were aff ected and HK$16,800 was received.

Kick-off ceremony of the Ash Wednesday Service

20 Hong Kong Christian Council Justice and Social Concern Committee

Mr. Lau Chi-to, on behalf of the Christian electors, answered questions in the open forum. Justice and Social Concern Committee

The Committee is chaired by Mrs. Cheung-Ang sectors, and over 100 Christians attended the event. Siew-mei. The Executive Staff is Mr. Wan Hoi-wing. The committee also drafted a statement “Expectation on the HKSAR New-term Government” A. Policy Advocacy and Social Concern and gathered opinions online from the public. 1. Legislative Council Election and After the statement was finalized, it was sent to Disqualifi cation of Legislators the three Chief Executive candidates, the present For the Legislative Council elections held on government, the press and public before the Chief September 4, 2016, the committee released a Executive Election was held. prayer request on August 25, 2016 and asked the churches and Christians to pray for the election. After the election, the committee was concerned about the Hong Kong High Court’s decision to strip four lawmakers of their seats in the Legislative Council due to improper oath-taking, as underlined by the interpretation of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) earlier this year. The committee issued a statement on July 21, 2017 to express that we respect the court judgment, but we are also convinced that the judgment would bring greater divisions among the society. Therefore, we appeal to the new administration to take the initiative to Open forum of the Christian electors to the Election Committee 2017 was held on March 5, 2017. dialogue with different parties and the disqualified legislators to seek for the best solution in order to re-establish confidence in the 'One Country, Two 3. Special Sundays Systems' principle, for the harmony, stability and During the past year the Committee promoted well-being of the society. material for three special Sundays. Labor Sunday was observed on April 30, 2017. 2. Chief Executive Election The material was prepared by the Hong Kong HKCC decided the method for election of Christian Industrial Committee. Christian electors to the Election Committee 2017 Hong Kong Sunday was celebrated on July 2, would be through drawing lots. To enhance the 2017. The sermon and prayer were prepared by communication between the Christian community Major Henrietta Ma-Chian Yuet-ming. and the Christian electors, the committee conducted an open forum on March 5, 2017. Seven Christian Sea Sunday was observed on July 9, 2017. The sector electors, more than ten electors from other material was prepared by the Mission to Seafarers.

2016/2017 Annual Report 21 B. Ecumenical Formation Program “Political Concerns”. Also, every week a total of four devotional exercises helped students to refl ect 1. Ecumenical Summer Internship Program on their internship experiences and feelings and HKCC held the summer social pastoral internship provide support for each other. program this year from June 12 to August 11. The In order to allow students to gain a deeper program aims to nurture Christian university and understanding of social issues, a number of theological students to participate in the ecumenical exposure visits were arranged. The fi rst was a visit movement and to provide internship and study to the To Kwa Wan community, led by the local experience through project-based learning, where organization House of To Kwa Wan Stories. This students reflect on Christian faith and practice of helped students to recognize the businesses in the the relationship between justice and peace. This district and to learn how to engage the church to year's study focused on three topics: 1) The Lord in do community pastoral work. The second was a Hong Kong, 2) The Imagination of Activation, and 3) visit with "Save Lantau Alliance" in the Tung Chung Space and Politics in Life. A total of nine students community to learn how the island’s beautiful participated coming from the Divinity School of natural environment is threatened by development Chung Chi College (CUHK), Bible Seminary of plans and to hear how local residents are organizing Hong Kong, universities, and one student from to protect Lantau’s precious natural resources, mainland China studying at Chung Chi College. history and culture. Thirdly, we participated in the Justice and Social Concern Committee This diversity allowed the group to share their demonstration on July 1 in prayer meetings, protest individual experiences that would help to deepen marches, and service in internship agencies. Lastly, the understanding of the situation in mainland the School of Poverty Caring led an exposure, China and Hong Kong and to broaden each other's including sleeping on the fl oor in the tunnel, staying horizons. A total of ten churches and organizations in the fast food restaurant to pick up a stranger's provided internship opportunities including the leftovers for lunch, and experiencing the lives of the Hong Kong Christian Institute, Hong Kong Christian poor. Afterwards, each student gave a five-minute Council (Gender Justice Ministry), The Church theological refl ection on the experience. of Christ in China Mandarin Church, Justice and Peace Commission of the HK Catholic Diocese, JJJ A public lecture on “Dialogue between Different Association, Queer Theology Academy, One Body Sexual Orientations” featured the following in Christ, CSSA Alliance, Christian Times and Hong speakers: Ms. Pearl Wong, Executive Secretary Kong Citizens. of Queer Theology Academy, Ms. Nocus Yung, Chairperson of Queer Theology Academy, a friend The program started with the students participating of transgender persons and bisexuals Mr. Eric Sin, in the Opening Ceremony with worship to prepare and intersex activist Ms. Small Luk. They had deep for the two-month internship. The first week’s refl ections and sharing on how to arouse churches’ retreat camp was held in Bradbury Retreat Centre concern on the needs of persons with different in Cheung Chau. It aimed to deepen group sexual orientations. relationships and provide orientation. The camp was divided into three sub-themes: 1) Understanding Finally, disability evangelist Ms. Chiu Chi-ling Ecumenical History. Dr. Connie Au, a member of was invited to share a theology of disability with the HKCC Church Unity and Relations Committee, students. She was able to convey a comprehensive was invited as speaker. 2) "Exploration of Cheung picture of disability from personal experience and Chau Community". We visited various regional theological perspectives. Churches should seek to organizations and churches to learn about the make their facilities more accessible and friendly to community pastoral work. 3) "Dialogue of Past the disabled as a sign of respect and equality for all. Alumni in the Work of the Church". Past alumni The graduation ceremony concluded the program students came to share their work and how to put with worship and a fellowship meal hosted by ecumenism into practice. the students. They invited friends and relatives In addition to training students in various involved in the ecumenical movement to join them institutions and churches internships, seminars to share the results of student internships as well as were held every Tuesday for tutorials and blessings with each other. discussion of readings in order to combine faith and practice for theological reflection. The eight 2. Ecumenical Program tutorial sessions matched the three study topics of The course "Social Care and Spiritual Awakening" “Community Shepherding", “Gender Justice”, and was held from March 8 to April 18 with a total of

22 Hong Kong Christian Council fifteen participants. The course invited students conducted archival research to recognize and participate in different spiritual of old newspapers, government traditions, to cultivate a unity of faith, to establish a documents and British declassifi ed connection with all living things, to practice the love files. “Vanished Archives” is an of God in the spirit of Christ. Hong Kong is presently important documentary that seeks to going through a period of political unrest and reveal the truth about a critical event distress. With meditation and the spiritual life, one in Hong Kong fi fty years ago that still aff ects the city gains inner awareness and spiritual transformation, today. while cultivating inner calm and freedom. Through the renewal of personal spirituality, we promote the vitality of social care and adherence. The lectures C. Eco-concern Ministry introduced different spiritual methods, including The group convener is Rev. Wong Ka-fai. The Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Dr. Wong Pui-fong), St. responsible staff is Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, Jessica. Francis (Brother William), and Plum Village Hong Kong (Ms. Christine Cheung). The course ended HEAcademy, Heaven and Earth Academy with a three-day retreat camp. Activities: 3. Youth Training Program • September 23 and October 7, 2016: Book "Cycling in Hong Kong City" symposium and road reading group on “Liberated by God’s Grace Justice and Social Concern Committee riding courses was held on April 22 and invited (Human Beings and Creation)” with Ms. Chu Siu- five speakers, namely, Pastor Chan Ka-leung kei (Taosheng Publishing House Editor) as host. (Hong Kong Cycling Alliance), Dr. Yam Chi-keung • October 8, 2016: “Handmade Candle and (President of Christian Times), Mr. Pong Yat-ming Mindfulness Workshop” in cooperation with (Life activist), Dr. Edward Yiu Chung-yim (former “Frankly Speaking” (brand of handmade soap) Legislative Councillor) and the company Gobee and Ms. Leung Wai-man. bike representative. They explain the current policy and implementation of cycling in Hong Kong and • November 11 to December 9, 2016: Book reflected on why Christianity is concerned with reading group on “Fukushima Oath – People cycling life. The roadside program was held from Say Never Repeat” with Mr. Daniel Tam (No April 29 to June 10, with fifteen participants. The Nukes at China Hong Kong) as host. class topics included teaching bicycle road safety, • April 14, 2017: “Bite a Bitter Gourd,” a mindful examining Hong Kong's friendly cycling policy, and eating event on Good Friday in cooperation with exploring traffi c environmental issues, urban design Kong Yeah and Kowloon Union Church. Through and road safety. simple theatre interaction and food which came from Hong Kong local farms, participants 4. “Vanished Archives” Screening refl ected on a Good Friday message in context. On June 28, we organized a screening of the We invited minister Mr. Hung Wai-lok to share a documentary “Vanished Archives”, co-sponsored message. with the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China’s Social Concern and Pastoral Affairs Eco-Concern Youth Spiritual Advance Camp department. We invited the director of the fi lm, Ms. In cooperation with G-Power youth ministry Lo Yan-wai, as the speaker. The attendance was league, ELCHK Gloria Lutheran Church, Wah Kwai 117. Alliance Church and Heng Fa Chuen Church, we The film is a documentary about the 1967 riots organized a youth camp on the topic of “Everyday known as a watershed in Hong Kong's post-war Life Revolution” from June 12-15, 2017. Participants history, and some would say a starting point for experienced farming life in Fanling district for four the development of Hong Kong consciousness. days. We hope that they connected with the land Today, the official record is incomplete, and it is and would practice eco-awareness in their daily life. difficult to determine the full story. For the past We also led a special Communion worship in the four years, Ms. Lo did extensive research, which field and invited Prof. Yam Chi-keung to share a included meeting with the left-wing leaders from message. The wine and bread for Holy Communion that time and their descendants, members of the were made by participants, using homemade bomb squads, union leaders and patriotic students, tomato juice mixed with bitter gourds to represent as well as former police officers, senior officials of the wine. The waste from the camp was used in a the Information Services Department, journalists, “Composting Ceremony” to give back to the land in and interviews with the victims. The director also an eco-friendly manner.

2016/2017 Annual Report 23 Eco-Concern Sunday D. Gender Justice Ministry Every year we invite all the churches in Hong The group convener is Rev. Wong Mei-fung, Kong to hold an "Eco-concern Sunday." This year Phyllis. The responsible staff is Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, we were pleased to have Dr. Bernard Wong to write Jessica. a sermon for churches in Hong Kong with the title "Embrace the Care from Creation". We hope to Prevention of Sexual Harassment Training bring back our attention to the relationship between in Churches humankind and Creation, and wish to enjoy the The Gender Justice Ministry received invitations created world. from diff erent Christian music groups in universities for training. Thus, we organized a training workshop Placement Experience on May 29, 2017 for music conductors and coaches. In cooperation with Gratia Christian College, a In addition, we visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic course titled as “The Future We Want” added an University Christian Band, the Chinese University internship exposure with HKCC. Ms. Lai Man-ling of Hong Kong Christian Band, and the Lingnan served as eco-concern mentee from March to May University Christian Choir and shared the message 2017. on “No sexual harassment within the church — Building a gender inclusive ministry.” Justice and Social Concern Committee Ecumenical Participation Besides, we initiated the project “Break the Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, Jessica was invited to join a Silence — Collect Cases of Sexual Harassment conference titled “Aiming to Realize a Sustainable within Churches” in August 2017. As we have received Energy Future,” hosted by the United Church of a number of complaints of sexual harassment in Christ in Japan from March 27-31, 2017 in Kyoto. churches, yet most of the reported churches/ Besides, she also attended “The Lausanne East organizations refused to handle the case, and Asia Conference on Creation Care and the Gospel” the perpetrators were treated leniently. Victims during July 24-28, 2017 in Hsinchu, Taiwan. were silenced and painfully left their churches. By initiating this qualitative research in search of any common approaches of perpetrators, we can establish a monitoring database and develop empowerment resources. All data collected will protect the identities of those involved, and the research will be completed in October 2017.

Nonviolent Communication Workshops The group sought to address social tension and different stakeholders failing to communicate eff ectively. By introducing nonviolent communication strategy, we hope that participants would be able to deepen their awareness, ability to listen and to understand people’s feeling. Therefore, we Hong Kong participants of the Lausanne East Asia could transform our anger, anxiety and all sorts of Conference on Creation Care and the Gospel. negative emotions and practice love in daily life. • April 13 - May 11, 2017: “Love communication workshop” with facilitator Mr. Chi Hin-cheong. • May 27 and May 30, 2017 in cooperation with Nonviolent Communication Hong Kong, we organized “NVC Workshop on Parenting” and “NVC Workshop on Inner Work in Social Transformation” with facilitator Ms. Barbra Esher.

“NVC Workshop on Inner Work in Social Transformation”

24 Hong Kong Christian Council Forums and Special Sundays • September 28, 2016 in cooperation with Teens Keys, we organized a documentary screening called “A Quiet Inquisition” and invited Ms. Lai Yuen-shan and Rev. Timothy Au as speakers. • On November 7, 2016 in cooperation with Anti 480 and Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women, we organized a forum theatre titled “It’s Not Funny: Sexual Violence at School”. Rev. Lo Wai-ki shared the pastoral experience to Justice and Social Concern Committee / Mission Ministerial Formation the participants in the exchange program of young • A documentary screening and sharing about church workers from Mainland and Hong Kong. comfort women called “My Heart is Undefeated” and “Four Seasons of A-ma” was organized on December 27, 2016. Four members of Hainan Net (voice of victims of sexual violence in Hainan network) were invited as orators to remember a group of comfort women who suff ered in war and had not attained justice. • “International Women’s Day” (March 11, 2017) was observed at Kowloon Union Church. • On August 20,2017, “I hurt therefore I am” books sharing event was held at Kowloon Union Church, with Ms. Small Luk, Ms. Rose Wu and Ms. Fermi The participants attended the evening worship Wong sharing their books respectively. service of Leung Faat Memorial Church. The committee organized an exchange program of young church workers from Mainland and Hong Kong on September 14-18 at Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village. We invited about 30 young pastors from Mission and Ministerial diff erent provinces and cities in mainland China and Formation Committee from member churches of the Hong Kong Christian Council respectively. The theme is “Pastoral Care Rev. Chan Kwok-keung chairs the Committee. for Children and Youth”. Rev Lo Wai-ki served as The Executive Staff is Mr. Wan Hoi-wing. the keynote speaker. The participants also visited Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching and Rev. Li Siu-po visited churches and social service centers. Hainan Christian Council and conducted courses for The committee will co-organize a local mission all the provincial pastors on April 3 - 7, 2017. workshop with “Lok Tao”, a Christian group of To Kwa Wan, on October 8. The workshop will explore the role of local churches from the redevelopment project of To Kwa Wan through adventure activity, dialogue with “Kaifong” (local residents). We have also invited Dr. Freeman Huen, Assistant Professor of Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, to be guest speaker.

Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching conducted courses in Hainan Province.

Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching and Rev. Li Siu-po off ered courses in Hainan Province. 2016/2017 Annual Report 25 Church Unity and Relations Committee Rev. Peter Douglas Koon is the Committee Chairperson. Executive staff is Ms. Kung Ka- wai. Mr. Jeff Kwong is the Executive staff of the ministries and administration of the Prayer Room in Hong Kong International Airport and of the coordination of the Council’s programs with other religions in Hong Kong. Joint Choir in the Worship Service of World Day of Prayer A. The Movement of Church Unity (January 18-25, 2017) B. Women’s Ministry Working Group The theme of the Week of Prayer was “Reconciliation Rev. Peter Douglas Koon is the consultant and – The Love of Christ Compels Us” (2 Corinthians Ms. Helen Ma is the Convenor of the working 5:14-20). Major events were: group. The group aims to promote partnership among churches and organizations, to exchange experiences and to be concerned with all issues about women. The working group prepared the

Church Unity and Relations Committee Praise and Sharing event, with a theme of Unity and Acceptance to be held on November 4, 2017. C. World Day of Prayer The World Day of Prayer (Hong Kong) Committee Rev. Eric So Shing-yit, the General Secretary of the is responsible for the promotion of this ecumenical Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China, prayer movement in Hong Kong. Prof. Mabel Wu was the celebrant of the Communion Service. is the Chairperson for June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 term. In Hong Kong, the Worship service took i. Joint Ecumenical Communion Service place on March 11, 2017 at St. John’s Cathedral The Service was held on January 19 at China with the theme “Am I Being Unfair to You?” The Congregational Church. Coadjutor Bishop worship materials were prepared by the women Michael M. C. Yeung (Catholic Diocese of Hong of the Philippines and revised by the working Kong) was the preacher. Approximately 300 group assigned by the Committee. The Committee participants attended the service. invited The Very Rev. Matthias C. Der to deliver the message during the Service. ii. Prayer Service for Christian Unity A worship service was held on January 21 at The Committee donated the off ering to the Church Christ the King Chapel. There were over 300 of the Philippines to develop women’s work. participants joining the service to pray for church unity. Bishop Ben Cheung Chun-wa was invited D. Theological Exchange Task Force as the preacher. The task force was set up in April 2015 under the cooperative framework of the Diocesan Ecumenical iii. English Unity Service Commission, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong The English Unity Service took place at Kowloon and the Church Unity and Relations Committee, Union Church on January 18 with Rev. Dr. aiming at providing a platform for theological Michele Bland as Preacher. exchange so as to enhance church unity. The group is established to explore how to build the common iv. Pulpit Exchange language for unity, and promotion of mutual Ministers of different denominations were understanding of the denominational differences, encouraged to exchange pulpits on January 22 to and learning of the diversified ecumenical spirit. deepen mutual understanding and make visible For the year of 2016-2017 the Chairperson of the the concept of unity. task force is Fr. Peter Choy. On April 25, 2017 the first seminar was held at the Chinese Methodist v. Joint Statement th Church with the theme of “500 Anniversary of A Joint Statement was issued by the Committee, Reformation”, and a second seminar is to be held HK Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, on September 28, 2017 at the center of the Catholic and Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Diocese of Hong Kong. On November 10, the task South East Asia. force will hold an open seminar with the theme of “500th Anniversary of Reformation” at the Divinity

26 Hong Kong Christian Council School of Chung Chi College (CUHK). Also, the to liaise with the Airport internal study group has been editing the common Authority on behalf of the Chinese version of the Nicene Creed. Colloquium, organized voluntary chaplains to be stationed at the Prayer Rooms, and coordinated the voluntary chaplains to participate in the Annual Crash Exercise. From September 2016 to August 2017, every month there was an average of four to six voluntary chaplains attending the Prayer Rooms at the Airport to bring blessings and spiritual

th support to passengers and staffs of all faiths. Speakers and the hosts of 500 Anniversary of They provide 8-10 sessions in total and each

Reformation seminar. Church Unity and Relations Committee / Communication Message session is on a 4-hour basis. More than 1,400 E. Relationship with Other Religions direct contacts were made by the Chaplains. The Airport Chaplaincy and Buddhist representatives i. The Meetings of the Colloquium of Six also participated in the Annual Crash Exercise Religious Leaders on November 8, 2016. The voluntary chaplains The Second bi-annual meeting of 2016 was held serving during this period are: Rev. Yau Sui- on November 24, 2016 at the Hall of Buddhist sang, Rev. Ip Suet-fung, Rev. Isabel Hung, Ms. Lim Kim Tian Memorial Primary School in Kwai Jessica Yuen, Rev. Stephen Hung, and Rev. Dr. Fong. Rev. Eric So Shing-yit and Rev. Po Kam- Chan Kim-kwong. cheong represented the Council. Mr. Jeff Kwong and Ms. Kung Ka-wai served at the Colloquium vi. The Religious Sector National Day Reception Secretariat. The Reception for the 67th Anniversary of the The First bi-annual meeting in 2017 was held Founding of the People’s Republic of China on May 11 at the Bishop Lei International was held on September 22, 2016. The Council House in Central. Rev. Eric So Shing-yit, Rev. co-organized and coordinated the Protestant Peter Douglas Koon and Rev. Po Kam-cheong participation of this annual event. represented the Council. Mr. Jeff Kwong and Ms. Kung Ka-wai served at the Colloquium Secretariat. vii. Other Inter-faith activities: Rev. Po Kam Cheong, the General Secretary ii. Inter-faith Dialogue of the Council, Mr. Jeff Kwong and Ms. Kenas Rev. Po Kam-cheong represented the Protestant Chan joined the Yunnan tour with the secretariat sector for this Dialogue on December 10, 2016 of Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders from July at the Buddhist Wong Fung Ling College in 30 - August 3, 2017. Causeway Bay. iii. Chinese New Year Gathering The Chinese New Year Gathering was held on February 16 at CCC Kei Wa Primary School in Kowloon Tong. More than 200 guests representing six religions attended this event. iv. Inter-Faith Visitation Church Unity and Relations Committee hosted The Chinese New Year gathering of the 100 guests from six religions to visit Wun Chuen Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders Sin Kwoon in Fanling on November 26, 2016. There were six Protestants who participated in Communication and this annual event. Message Committee v. Administration of the Prayer Room at the Rev. Kan Kei-piu is the Committee Chairperson, Hong Kong International Airport and Ms. Kung Ka-wai is the Executive Staff . The Airport Authority has currently established A. Chinese Publications five multi-faith Prayer Rooms in the Airport. Since 1998 it had invited the Six Religions i. Message Leaders Colloquium to manage these venues. In the year of 2016-2017, Message published 6 The Colloquium had appointed Mr. Jeff Kwong issues on a bi-monthly basis with diff erent themes: 2016/2017 Annual Report 27 No. of Issue Theme Nov. 27 – St. John’s HIV Education Centre (World 336 (Sept-Oct 2016) : Care for all creatures AIDS Sunday) 337 (Nov-Dec 2016): Refugees and Jan. 22 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Asylum seekers in Hong Kong Mar. 5 – Women’s Sunday (International 338 (Jan-Feb 2017) : Christian Unity Clergywomen’s Fellowship) 339 (Mar-Apr 2017) : Retirement at large Apr. 9 – Palm / Passion Sunday 340 (May-Jun 2017) : Ecumenical Journey May 14 – Mother’s Day 341 (Jul-Aug 2017) : Education at large July 9 – Mission to Seafarers (Sea Sunday) Aug. 20 – Christ Temple Congregation ii. Bound Edition of Message Christmas Eve Midnight Mass was broadcast from To facilitate readers to research the articles of St. John’s Cathedral and Christmas Day Mass from past Message, the 9th copy of bound edition was

Communication and Message Committee / English Ministries Spec ial Sundays Conclusion the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception published in this year which had collected Message on RTHK- Radio 4. from 2011-2014. On March 21 2017, the Committee conducted a iii. e-news Christian Communications Seminar at Mariners’ In order to effectively publicize the ministries and Club in Tsimshatsui with Ms. Fanny Wong, Executive new developments of the Council, the Committee Director of TA Communications, as keynote successfully launched the bi-weekly e-news beginning speaker. The radio ministry also presented Lifetime May 2009. The e-news captures the latest ministries Achievement Awards to Fr. Sean Coghlan, SJ and and activities, newsworthy world news, current issues Rev. Bud Carroll in appreciation for their long service in the Christian sector, social issues etc. The Council to RTHK-Religious Broadcasting. sends the e-news to all churches in Hong Kong, related Christian organizations, media and individual B. English Publications subscribers via email on a bi-weekly basis. A total of Rev. Judy Chan is the 211 issues have been published so far with 26 issues Editor of “News and Views”. published during this year. It is one of the major English publications of the Council, B. Chinese Broadcasting giving a quarterly report on Mr. Ng Sze-yuen is the Chairperson of the news of the Council and the Committee. Ms. Miann Chan is responsible for the two Hong Kong Church. Fr. Sean Coghlan and weekly Chinese radio Religious Programs broadcast Rev. Bud Carroll receive on RTHK. broadcasting awards. Special Sundays English Ministries To promote church unity through witness and A. English Broadcasting prayer Four Christian radio programs in English are aired Unity Sunday, World Day of Prayer and World on RTHK-4 and RTHK-3 each week. Rev. Judy Chan Communion Sunday serves as Program Producer and Ms. Kammy Fung To promote Christian concern special issues is Program Administrator. The programs are: Sunday Social Concern Sunday, Christian Family Sunday, Service, Minutes that Matter, Refl ections and Thought Asia Sunday, Eco concern Sunday, Communications for the Week. Sunday, Hong Kong Sunday, Education Sunday and These programs are supported by the ecumenical World AIDS Sunday Christian community under the auspices of the Religious Others Broadcasting and Television Advisory Committee (English/Christian). Participants include Protestant, Women's Sunday, Labor Sunday, Seafarers’ Catholic and Orthodox Churches and organizations Sunday, Elderly Sunday, National Sunday, Health in Hong Kong. This year’s Committee Chairperson is Sunday, Youth Sunday, Bible Sunday and Human Rev. Ross Royden of Christ Church (Anglican). Rights Sunday The Committee produced a series of Special Sunday radio broadcasts: Conclusion Sept. 18 – Community Church Hong Kong My nine years of service will come to an end very Oct. 9 – Kowloon Union Church soon. Thank you for all your support to me as General Oct. 30 – German-Speaking Evangelical-Lutheran Secretary of the Council. Thank you to all colleagues, Congregation in HK members of the Executive Committee, all committees Nov. 20 – International Students of Lutheran and volunteers who have been contributing their Theological Seminary (Christ the King) heart and time to the ministries. May our Lord reward you richly for your service.

28 Hong Kong Christian Council