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 Contents
Chairman’s Remarks ...... 3
2015-2016 Committee Members ...... 4 ˙Executive Committee ˙Finance Committee ˙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 ...... 17 ˙Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee ˙Justice and Social Concern Committee - Ecumenical Formation Program - Eco-concern Program - Gender Justice Program
˙Mission and Ministerial Formation Committee ˙Church Unity and Relations Committee ˙Communication and Message Committee
English Ministries & Special Sundays ...... 28
Conclusion ...... 28
2 Hong Kong Christian Council Chairman’s Remarks
Rev. So Shing-yit
Social Situation of Today’s Hong Kong advanced cities. The brokenness of relationships and confl icts between parties have left Hong Kong July 1 of this year is the 19th anniversary of the full of grievance. People are depressed because establishment of the Special Administrative Region they cannot fi nd hope. They are pessimistic because of Hong Kong. Next year, in 2017 there will be the of many unsolved political and social problems. 20th Anniversary. From a colony to a special This is a crucial reality which all Hong Kong people administrative region, Hong Kong has gone through are facing. a path of changes. These have happened in the systems of politics, economy, social welfare and education of the last two decades and have HKCC and Today’s Hong Kong impacted on everyone in this city. However, have Churches in Hong Kong have to recognize the these changes in the past twenty years made Hong reality of these critical issues which have been Kong a happier and more blessed place for living? challenging this city. Besides these controversies, Have the people of Hong Kong been enjoying their the Gini coeffi cient of Hong Kong reaching to 0.537 life and having fulfi llment? since 2011 indicates that the wealth gap is alarming wide. This is another critical challenge which is All Hong Kong people have realized that 2015 impacting on the people’s life as well. was an eventful year. The controversy over the Political Reform Proposal on Universal Suffrage As a Christian ecumenical body HKCC is caused a serious polarization in our society. established for the unity of churches in HK. This Conflicts, both physical and otherwise, occurred Christian unity aims to witness the Gospel and to between those protesting against the Proposal and serve the community.1 Thus the unity in mission the pro-Government supporters. The challenge and service for Hong Kong is our core mandate. In brought to the “institutional parties” by the “Umbrella order to address the current situation of Hong Movement” participants in the public arena has Kong, Christians need to deeply engage with the split the community into political factions. Finally people instead of just welcoming them to attend on June 18, 2015 the Proposal was vetoed at churches. The stories of the people and the the Legislative Council. Now Hong Kong has struggles of the grassroots in life should become to address its development again in this “Post- the main content of the church mission. At this Political Reform Era”. Since then controversies present time, HKCC as a Christian representation and conflicts, resistance and civil disobedience of Hong Kong definitely has to stand with our and even violent protests had been emerged community and share their laughs and tears. We on different issues. This has brought more should foster the churches to shift their strategy of challenges to the whole community. Despite the mission from mission to the community to mission from wealth recorded by its GDP, Hong Kong is lost in the community and facilitate the churches in Hong the Happiness Index when compared with other Kong and to be a light in this city.
1 Ref. 'Mission', "Hong Kong Christian Council" Annual Report 2015-2016, p1.
2015/2016 Annual Report 3 Dr. Lui Wai-ling, Annissa Lui Wai-ling, Dr. Fuk-chuen, Thomas Tsang Mr. Hoi-pak Yuen Mr. Siu-kee, Keith Wu Mr. Mr. Lau Chun-chuen, Karl Lau Chun-chuen, Mr. Fook-yee Wong Elder Dr. Mr. Peter Ho Mr. Canon Peter Douglas Koon Rev. Poon Kwong-fai, Silas Mr. Jan-Eerik Leppänen Mr. Annissa Lui Wai-ling, Dr. Margaret MW Mathieson Rev. His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios Lt. Col. Ian Swan Kok-soon, Alex Tan Rev. Wing-sze Tong Dr. Anderson Gregory M. Dr. Rev. Honorary Secretary: Honorary Secretary: Honorary Treasurer: Honorary Treasurer: cio Members: Ex-offi (Chairperson) (Ex-offi cio member) (Ex-offi Vice-Chairperson: Vice-Chairperson: Vice-Chairperson: Vice-Chairperson: Rev. So Sing-yit, Eric Rev. Chow Siu-ngor Mr. Fung Sau-chung Mr. Alan Ho Mr. Rev. Chan Kwok-keung Rev. Mrs. Cheung-Ang Siew-mei Simon Chow Siu-chun, Dr. Rev. Kan Kei-piu, Paul Rev. Bob Lo Cho-ching, Dr. Rev. Lo Lung-kwong Dr. Rev. Lo Wing-kwong, Pilgrim Dr. Kar-lim Yick Dr. Tin-yau Yuen Rev. Chuen-hung Yung Rev. Ka-fai Wong Rev. Rev. Dr. Lam Sung-che Dr. Rev. Rev. So Shing-yit, Eric Rev. Chun-wa Bishop Chang Mr. Lau Chun-chuen, Karl Mr. nd st Elected Members: 2 Chairperson: Chairperson: 1 Finance Committee Executive Committee Committee Executive 2015-2016 Committee Members Committee 2015-2016 Hong Kong Christian Council
2015-2016 Committee Members 4 2015-2016 Committee Members 5 2015/2016 Annual Report Annual 2015/2016 (Attendant)
(until December 31, 2015) (from January 1, 2016) (Consultant) Rev. Tang Tat-wing Tat-wing Tang Rev. Bob Lo Cho-ching, Dr. Rev. Li Siu-po Rev. Tommy Major Chan Hi-wai, Lau Kei-shing Rev. Cheung Chun-ying Rev. Peter Leung Fr. Au Connie Dr. Prof. Mabel Wu Jason Lam Dr. Jonathan Chee Rev. Sun Sau Cheng Rev. Rev. Dr. Li Ping-kwong Dr. Rev. Wai-yee Ma Rev. Jan-Eerik Leppänen Mr. Ho Peter Mr. Sai-ying Cheuk Mr. Alan Ho Mr. Bultron Ramon Mr. Mei-fung, Phyllis Wong Rev. Chan Kit-ling Rev. Fermi Wai-fun, Ms. Wong Chan Ka-yan Mr. Suen Lai-Sang Mr. Hans Lutz Rev. Ms. Chan Suk-yee Major Arthur Chan Yee-lap, (Chairperson) (Chairperson) (Chairperson) Mr. Poon Kwong-fai, Silas Mr. Elder Siu Sau-ching Alan Ho Mr. Wing-sze Tong Dr. Anderson Gregory M. Dr. Rev. Lam Sung-che Dr. Rev. Ip Tsz-leung Rev. Ng Pik-shan, Bettsy Rev. Ma Wai-yee Rev. (Chairperson) Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon Rev. Rev. Chan Kwok-keung Rev. Chan Wai-yin Rev. May Yuk-kuen, Poon Rev. Chuen-hung Yung Rev. Shu Tak-him Dr. Mrs. Cheung-Ang Siew-Mei Mrs. Cheung-Ang Wing-sze Tong Dr. Lo Wing-kwong, Pilgrim Dr. Major On Dieu-quang Ka-fai Wong Rev. Augusta Leung Rev. Wai-cheong Wong Rev. May Yuk-kuen, Poon Rev. Ms. Cheung Oi-sze Dr. Yick Kar-lim Yick Dr. Fook-yee Wong Elder Dr. Cheung Simon Rev. Shui-fung Cheung Mr. Shun-kwong Leung Mr. Committee Mission and Ministerial Formation Church Unity and Relations Committee Committee and Social Concern Justice Committee Witness and Church Sharing 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
World Day of Prayer (Hong Kong) Committee
(From June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016)
Prof. Mabel Wu (Chairperson) Ms. Joan Kwan Rev. Canon Peter Dogulas Koon Mrs. Dorothy Man (Ex-offi cio Member) Mr. Ivan Lam Ms. Alice Chan Ms. Law Mei-kuen Ms. Anna Cheng Ms. Helen Ma Captain Norris Cheung Mrs. Ngui-Ting Sing-hong Mr. Alan Ho Rev. Shek Sau-wan Ms. Vivian Ho Ms. Terese Wong Rev. Leung Kwai-ha Ms. Yuen Mei-ping
Women’s Ministry Working Group 2015-2016 Committee Members (From January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016)
Ms. Chan Suk-yee (Convenor) Ms. Law Lan-heung Rev. Canon Peter Dogulas Koon (Consultant) Ms. Helen Ma Ms. Anna Cheng Ms. Ellen Mok Ms. Ivy Chak Ms. Tsang On-lai Ms. Cho Yee-wai Ms. Lam Sze Ki Ms. Captain Alice Chou Ms. Cynthia Kwok Ms. Mandy Lam
6 Hong Kong Christian Council Representatives of Churches/ Denominations 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 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
Hong Kong Japanese The Evangelical Lutheran Christian Fellowship Church of Hong Kong Rev. Shiba Mitsumasa Rev. Fong Sing-fong ＊Rev. Tan Kok-soon, Alex Rev. Chan Wai-yin Rev. Law Suet-man Rev. Leung Mei-ying Union Church Rev. Sun Sau-cheng ＊Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Anderson Rev. Lau Kei-shing Rev. Luk Chun-yiu German Speaking Evangelical Rev. Cheung Chun-ying Lutheran Congregation in Hong Kong Rev. Chan Wing-on Dr. Jan Depner Elder So Ming-po 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 ＊ Lt. Col. 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
2015/2016 Annual Report 7 Rev. Augusta Leung Rev. Kwok-keung Chan Rev. Billy Tsz-leung, Ip Rev. Simon Cheung Rev. Joseph Chow Wai-man, Rev. Shui-fung Cheung Mr. Chun-hei Lam Mr. Siu-ngor Chow Mr. David Au Chi-wei, Mr. Ng Chi-sum Mr. Lo Kwok-ki Mr. Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon Canon Peter Rev. Dr. Shu Tak-him Dr. Rev. Li Yat-shing, Daniel Yat-shing, Li Rev. Yuet-kwan Yu Tse Dr. Mrs. Catherine Chan Ms. Matleena Kukkonen Dr. Tong Wing-sze Tong Dr. Dr. Lui Wai-ling, Annissa Lui Wai-ling, Dr. Poon Kwong-fai, Silas Mr. Peter Ho Mr. Jan-Eerik Leppänen Mr. Tao Fong Shan Christian Tao Centre The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ YMCA of Hong Kong YMCA Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Hui Kung Sheng Kong Hong Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, LC-HKS Women’s Young Hong Kong Christian Association are appointed Executive Members – including ex-officio representatives of the founding ＊
Members with members and class of 2015/17 ex-officio representatives from the other members Dr. Lo Wing-kwong, Pilgrim Dr. Chow Siu-chun, Simon Dr. Mrs. Cheung-Ang Siew-mei Ms. Kwan K.M., Dora Rev. Lau Yan-tak Rev. Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching, Bob Lo Cho-ching, Dr. Rev. Sau-ching Elder Siu Chu Wing-sang Dr. Rev. Chung-wan Elder Yau Liu Man-kin Mr. Ms. Cheung Oi-sze Arthur Hei-wei, Lam Mr. Ho Sin-pan, Daniel Dr. Rev. Rev. Kan Kei-piu, Paul Rev. Man Chi-on, Steve Rev. Rev. Yung Chuen-hung Yung Rev. Kar-lim Yick Dr. Mr. Lau Chun-chuen, Karl Mr. Elder Dr. Wong Fook-yee Wong Elder Dr. Hong Kong Christian Council ＊ ＊ Lutheran Theological Seminary Christian Action Hong Kong Bible Society Chinese Christian Literature Council Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong YMCA Chinese Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong of Hong Mission Tsin Tsung Representatives of Organizations Representatives
Representatives of Churches / Denominations / Representatives of Organization 8 Affi liated Organizations
Board of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation Governors 2016 Affiliated Organizations
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) ＊Prof. Simon S.M. KWAN Observers: ＊Mr. Michael K.C. LAI, BBS, MH, JP Mr. Terence W.M. CHAM Mr. Roger C.W. LEE Dr. Raymond C.I. CHEN Mr. John K.H. LI, MH Dr. Tak-yi CHUI ＊Rev. Kam-cheong PO Ms. Rita C.Y. KWAN ＊The Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Y.P. SOO, JP Dr. Chor-chiu LAU, GMSM, MH Mr. Herman H.C. TSOI Mr. Alexander C.C. LAW ＊Elder Siu-ching SIU Mr. Hans LI Dr. Andrew L. LUK Honorary Governors: Mr. Lawrence Y.W. POON Mr. Roland K.C. CHOW Ms. Alice S.Y. SHAM Mr. Sau-chung FUNG Mr. Christopher K.O. SO Dr. George H.C. HUNG Ms. Joanne P.F. WONG Ms. Siu-wah KO, SBS, OBE, JP Canon Fook-hing LI, OBE Mrs. June LI Rev. Dr. Ping-kwong LI, SBS Prof. Sheung-wai TAM, GBS, OBE, JP
Hong Kong Christian Service Management Committee 2015/2016
Chairman: ＊Rev Eric So Shing Yit Honorary Treasurer: Dr. Law Chi Kwong, SBS, JP, GBS Vice-Chairman: Dr. Darwin Chen, SBS, ISO 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, MH ＊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
2015/2016 Annual Report 9 Christian Family Service Centre Board of Directors 2016
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 Poon ＊Mr. Chan Wing-Kai ＊Dr. Alice Yuk Tak-fun, J.P. ＊Rev. Wong Chak-tong ＊Major On Dieu-quang (until June 1,2016) Mr. Antonio Kwong Cho Shing, M.H. ＊Rev. Chan Wing-on (from July 20, 2016)
United Christian Medical Service Board of Directors 2016
Chairman: Mr. LI Kwok Heem, John, MH Honorary Treasurer: Mr. LI Man Toa, Michael Vice-Chairman: Mr. CHAN Man Foon, Derek Honorary Legal Advisor: Mr. TSOI Hak Kong, Herbert, BBS JP Directors: Honorary Directors: Ms. CHOW Yan Tse, Margot Mr. CHOW Kun Chee, Roland ＊Rev. FONG Sing Fong, Abraham Canon LI Fook Hing, OBE ＊Rev. KAN Kei Piu, Paul Mrs. LI June ＊Rt. Rev. Dr. KWOK Chi Pei, Timothy Dr. NIP Kam Fan, OBE ＊Mr. LAU Chun Chuen, Karl Prof. TAM Sheung Wai, GBS OBE JP ＊Rev. Prof. LO Lung Kwong Rt. Rev. TSUI Tsan Sang, Louis ＊Rev. PO Kam Cheong Dr. YUK Tak Fun, Alice, BBS JP ＊ Mr. TSANG Fuk Chuen, Thomas Observers: Mr. WONG Tat Kee, David Dr. MAN Chi Yin
Affiliated Organizations Ms. WONG Yuen Ling, Grace Dr. LAU Chor Chiu, MH ＊Rev. YUNG Chuen Hung 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 Hong Kong Christian Council 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 Rev. Dr. Chan Kim-kwong (until February 16, 2016) Ms. Rune Marie Hefty Nielsen (from July 21, 2016) Assistant Executive Secretary Program Coordinator Mr. Wan Hoi-Wing Ms. Kung Ka-wai, Winnie Ms. Kammy Fung Ms. Della Lee (Finance & Administration) Program Producer, Project Offi cer Executive Secretary (Ecumenical Formation) Ms. Miann Chan Ms. Leung Wai-man (Sponsored by CWM / Nethersole Fund) Five Loaves and Two Fish Project Eco-Concern and Gender Justice Project Offi cer Executive Secretary Miss Tso Hiu-tung Ms. Wong Yuk-ha, Winnie (Spondeored by CWM / Nethersole Fund)
IT Secretary 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
Cashier/Accounting Clerk Offi ce Assistant Mrs. Ng-Kwong Wai-bing, Anna Miss Lee Yuk Fan, Wendy Mrs. Lee-Kwong Chui-ha, Amy
2015/2016 Annual Report 11 General Secretary’s Report
(From September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016) Pilgrimage Rev. Po Kam-cheong Last year, the world and Hong Kong seemed to escape to Europe. It has become a humanitarian to become more and more chaotic. A series of issue and a refugee problem for the European coordinated terrorist attacks occurred on November countries. As a result, the mass migration also 13, 2015 in Paris when gunmen carried out a gave rise to the right wing political parties which mass shooting and took hostages at a concert in reject refugees seeking to enter their countries. The the Bataclan theatre. And in another case, suicide presidential election in the USA also reflects the bombers struck outside the Stade de France in influence of peace issues. Affected by the voters, Saint-Denis during a football match. Over 130 candidates are taking extreme stands, polarizing people were killed and more than 300 people were and even causing schisms in their own political injured. Furthermore, the Belgian capital of Brussels parties. Additionally, the UK referendum on EU was attacked in a series of bomb explosions in the membership revealed that there was nearly the airport and metro station on March 22, 2016. Over same amount of support for Britain to remain in the 30 people were killed and more than 300 people EU as there was for leaving it. Indeed, the world were injured. Additionally, a suicide bomber killed seems to be becoming more chaotic, divisive and at least 70 people and wounded more than 200 in extreme. a park in Lahore, in eastern Pakistan on March 27, In Hong Kong, the Mongkok incident during the 2016 (Easter Sunday). Many of the victims were Chinese New Year caused alarm. The situation Christians. Three months later, suicide bombers started as a demonstration and evolved to violent opened fire and blew themselves up in Istanbul’s conflict, leaving many police and citizens injured. Ataturk Airport on June 28, killing at least 40 people Even reporters were not exempt from injury. It and wounding more than 200. Another terrorist seemed that the whole society was filled with attack occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, on dissatisfaction, fury and hatred. July 1 when 20 foreigners were killed inside a café and 50 people were injured. Following that tragedy The issue of Hong Kong’s future direction was a terrorist attack in Nice, France which took the includes the confl ict between China and Hong Kong, lives of at least 80 people and injured more than the pace of democratization, the government’s way 300 on July 14, 2016. The next terrorism incident of governing, the relation between the executive happened on August 8, 2016, when terrorists council and the legislative representatives, the attacked the Government Hospital of Quetta in poverty issue, and the future of youths. General Secretary’s Report Pakistan with a suicide bombing and shooting. Will our society become more divisible or They killed 90 people and injured more than 100. cohesive? Will “One Country, Two Systems” continue Later that month on August 20, a suicide bomber or will the only choices be the two extremes? targeted a wedding party in Gaziantep, Turkey, killing at least 50 people and injuring at least 90. In In June, I attended the Central Committee reality, all these incidents that were widely reported Meeting of WCC. Although many Arabian countries by the media only constituted a small part of a long became unstable after the Jasmine Revolution, list of terrorist attacks. And many of these cases I was strongly impressed by a Coptic youth from were related to the Middle East, “ISIS” and other Islamic extremist organizations, refl ecting the tense relationship between the Western countries and the Middle Eastern countries. Also, religious belief was mingled in those events. On the other hand, because of the instability of countries in the Middle East such as Syria, a large number of refugees have been risking their lives Annual General Meeting 12 Hong Kong Christian Council Egypt who is so positive about the future and fi lled document may help Christians to with hope and energy. better understand the situation of refugees and their spiritual care. The Church that lives in a world of chaos could not only be empathic to others and face all those 1.5 Submission of JSCC on Standard social challenges, but also be the sign of hope to Working Hours was sent on July 24, 2016 direct others to the love and justice of God. Heb to urge the government to legislate and take General Secretary’s Report 11:1 says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped actions to respond to workers’ needs. for, the conviction of things not seen.” 1.6 After several meetings and consultations for Hope that we also become the sign of hope to Church leaders and Christians were held on others on our pilgrimage. April 17 and May 13, respectively, on the ten seats of Christian (Protestant) Electors to the A. Hong Kong Election Committee of the Chief Executive 1. Society 2017, the Executive Committee resolve to hold an Extraordinary Executive Committee meeting 1.1 The Standing Committee and General Secretary in June. Finally, four channels nomination met with the Chief Executive on May 25, 2016 to (individual, nomination by a congregation, express our concerns about Hong Kong society Christian organization and Church denomination) issues. The suggestions were proposed as were considered and settled by drawing lots. follows: i. Concern about the growing polarization in 2. On Unity Hong Kong society after the Occupy Central 2.1 A lecture on “Communion by Faith” was held Incident and conflict between the police on October 23, 2015 at the new chapel of the and civilians in Mongkok. We should try to Divinity School of Chung Chi College, CUHK, understand better the problems that Hong jointly organized by Holy Spirit Seminary Kong society is facing. Suggest to liaise with College of Theology and Philosophy, Lutheran organizations from diff erent sectors. Theological Seminary and Divinity School of Chung Chi College, CUHK. SKH Ming Hua ii. In recent years, a lot of young people Theological College also joined the activity. have different views on the policies of Six speakers from different church traditions the government, and we suggest that the explored the significance of the "Joint government should review their youth policy. Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification” for iii.The public was disappointed in policies Hong Kong and ecumenical Churches. About such as “Retirement Protection” from the 200 people joined. government. We hope that the government 2.2 The following ministries of the Task Force on will listen to the voices of different opinions Theological Exchange, initiated by Hong Kong from the public, and they should strengthen Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical Commission the relationship on the basis of mutual and Church Unity and Relations Committee are respect and understanding. ongoing. 1.2 Committee co-organized a seminar on “How Churches respond to Universal Retirement i. Joint Prayer for Church Unity Protection” on April 24, 2016 (Sunday) with HK Jointly drafted the prayer and letters which Church Network for the Poor and HK Church invited churches to use the prayer for Renewal Movement at Ward Memorial Methodist ecumenical unity. Church. About 50 people attended. ii. Joint translation of Nicene Creed 1.3 The “Retirement Protection Forging Ahead” In accordance with the translations from the Consultation Document was submitted on June biblical Greek and Churches’ texts, a common 3, 2016. The Council urges the government version of the "Nicene Creed" was completed. to set up a sustainable “Universal Retirement An invitation was sent to denominations and Protection Scheme,” to grasp the prime line of churches for use in worship services. 15-20 years, and to reserve sufficient funds to iii. Joint Lectures meet the peak of the aging population, so that There are four public lectures organized by all senior citizens can enjoy financial security the task force on Theological Exchange held to maintain a basic standard of living after during the year on the following themes: retirement. March 13, 2016 “To be baptized in the name 1.4 The text of the handbook for churches and of the Lord” — Baptism organizations on pastoral care for refugees was published in June for distribution. This June 26, 2016“ This is my body”— Holy Communion 2015/2016 Annual Report 13 September 11, 2016“Give my lambs food” — St John’s Cathedral, Quaker Worship Centre, Ministry The Hong Kong Catholic Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, The Church of Christ November 13, 2016“There is one body” — in China Shum Oi Church, and Pentecostal Church Holiness Church Rousseau Memorial Assembly, The pastors and seminary professors from among other churches. The participants were the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, impressed by their traditions and uniqueness of the Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church), the the churches in sessions conducted by pastors Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong, after Sunday services. Twenty participants joined. the Methodist Church, Hong Kong, the Tsung 5.2 With funding and support from CWM/Nethersole Tsin Mission of Hong Kong, the Church Fund, the American Baptist Church, the Hong of Christ in China, the Baptist Church, the Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China Christian and Missionary Alliance and the and the Methodist Church Hong Kong, the Assemblies of God were invited as speakers. Council and Hong Kong Christian Institute Approximately 100 to 200 participants joined continued to organize the Ecumenical Movement each time. Summer Internship from June to August, 2016. 3. Gender Justice Ministry There were a total of 10 participants from Hong 3.1 The Council has employed a Gender Justice Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan. Participants Project Officer since June 2013 to promote the were divided into three groups to focus on Eco- ministry of gender justice with the support of justice, Gender, and Community Pastoring the working group. Thank you for the funding issues. Many organizations and local churches of HK$100,000 from CWM/Nethersole since also provided placements for the participants. It October 2015. This amount helps sustain the is hoped that through this internship program, ministry. more young people will share the ecumenical spirit and strengthen the ecumenical movement. 3.2 Lessons with the theme“Try to Put On Her and His Shoes”and seminars on “How to prevent B.China sexual harassment?”for denominations and 1. The General Secretary joined the celebration of Churches were organized recently. the National Day in Beijing from September 28- 4. Eco Concern Ministry 30, 2015. 4.1 The Council has employed an Eco-concern 2. As a board member of CWM/Nethersole Fund Project Officer since July 2013 to promote sent by the Council, the General Secretary the ministry of Eco Concern (formerly named represented the CWM/Nethersole Fund to Environment Protection). The HKCC also formed visit Hubei Christian Council and Three-self a working group to support the work. Thank Patriotic Movement, Training Centre, Zhongnan you for the funding of HK$100,000 from CWM/ Theological Seminary, Yancheng Traning Centre Nethersole since October 2015. This amount in Jiangsu and joined the 30th Anniversay helps sustain the ministry. celebration of Amity Foundation in Nanjing from 4.2 Heaven & Earth Academy was formed in April, November 3-8, 2015.
General Secretary’s Report 2016. This program will provide a good platform 3. The General Secretary attended the religion for the discussion of dietary and theological policy of PRC class in Shenzhen for Hong Kong reflections on ecological concern issues. pastors and Christian workers organized by the Meetings are to be held regularly. liaison offi ce of the Central People’s Government 4.3 Cheung Chau Bradbury Retreat Centre has been in the Hong Kong SAR, to understand more returned to HKCC from HK Christian Service as about the development of churches in China and of April 1, 2016. After the completion of repair the religious policy of mainland China. work, the centre will be open to individuals and 4. The Mission and Ministerial Formation Committee organizations for booking. The retreat center during the past year regularly visited churches in will also be used by the Eco-concern ministry. mainland China to conduct training workshops. They have plans to organize fi eld trips with local Locations included Dali in Yunnan Province and churches and environmental groups. Hainan Province. 5. Ecumenical Formation 5. Last year, the Sharing and Church Witness 5.1 The Ecumenical Course for diff erent Committee sponsored 1,106 rural China worship services was held in October orphans, 63 needy children, 643 senior high and November, 2015. Participants school students, and 546 university students visited St. Luke Orthodox Cathedral, from rural areas (Project Torch). Four collapsing
14 Hong Kong Christian Council schools were also rebuilt. One of our partners, the organization “Charity Foundation of Zhou Kou District” in Henan Province stopped all our partnership projects due to their internal problems. Although the eff ect is strong, through eff orts of our staff and the trust and support from General Secretary’s Report our donors, a lot of work could be continued by the swapping of recipients or transferring the donors’ support to other funds. WCC Central Committee Meeting C. Asia D. The World 1. The General Secretary chaired the Churches’ 1. The General Secretary attended the United and Forum on Peace and People’s Security in Uniting Churches’ Consultation of Faith and Northeast Asia in Taipei from April 6-7, 2016. Order Commission, WCC, in Chennai, India from The forum resolved to organize a Peace School November 25- December 6, 2015. There he in Taiwan in 2017, and each country/area will learned about the history of United and Uniting invite 5 youths to join. We also found out that Churches in the Church uniting movement, the youths in our countries/areas face the same and shared experiences and promoted church problems, including globalization, unemployment, unity in working together, expressing hope that the widening gap between the rich and the our experiences could be an example for other poor, and the short term contract of jobs. Young churches that are exploring their way to unity. people cannot grasp their future and therefore During the meeting, the airport in Chennai are becoming dissatisfi ed with society. Hope that cancelled all fl ights for a week because of severe the Peace School could provide a chance for the flooding. All the participants were held up in young people to come together for refl ections on Chennai and experienced the effect of global faith responses to those issues. climate changes and the force of monsoon rain. 2. The General Secretary attended the Central Committee of WCC in Trondheim, Norway from June 21-29, 2016, where he learned about the impact of Christian faith on the Norwegian society. The Central Committee also discussed many issues, including the need for unity,“Brexit,”the future of the Middle East, children’s rights, rights of aboriginal people, human-trafficking, gender justice, and people of special needs. The Lunch with the General Secretary of CCA Central Committee also accepted the proposal of Commission on World Mission and Evangelism to 2. The General Secretary attended the 5th call a World Mission Conference in Tanzania from Global Inter-Religious Conference on Article March 8-13, 2018. 9 in Osaka from June 6-10, 2016 where he listened to the voices of Koreans in Japan who E. Ministry Report experienced discrimination and heard about For details of the ministries of the Council, please their dire situations after the second World War, refer to the related committee reports. understood the hope for peace from German and Japanese youths, and joined in drafting a F. Finance statement in which the conference attendees The defi cit of the 2015-2016 fi nancial year, after expressed their support for the peace movement. auditing, is over HKD3,300,000. It is hoped that member churches and organizations will continue to support the ministries and expenses of the Council so that the ecumenical work will continue to fl ourish. G.The Redevelopment of Kwun Tong Vocational Training Centre Due to changes in the Hong Kong Education System and society, Kwun Tong Vocational Training Centre, which was originally operated by Hong The 5th Global Inter-Religious Conference Kong Christian Service, closed at the end of July on Article 9 2015/2016 Annual Report 15 2013. The government is currently reviewing our Met and dined with Dr. Mathews George, March 31, application to change its land use for social services 9 General Secretary of Christian Conference 2016 and a youth hostel. We are forming a task force to of Asia work with the Hong Kong Christian Service and the Attended the Churches’ Forum on Peace April 6-7, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. 10 and People’s Security in Northeast Asia 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan H.Connection with the Church and May 9, Reception of Ms. Athena Peralta of 11 meetings in Mainland China: 2016 World Council of Churches Attended the 3rd Christian Forum for Date Item May 23, 12 Reconciliation in Northeast Asia, and September Attended the 66th Anniversary of National 2016 1 28-30, Day Reception of the People’s Republic gave welcoming speech Met with Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, 2015 of China in Beijing May 26, 13 General Secretary of Christian Conference October 8, Reception of Rev. Zhan Siu-cho of Jiang 2016 2 of Asia 2015 Bei Church of Huizhou, Guangdong May 27, Interviewed by Reforme, Christian Magazine Reception of the Henan Christian Council 14 April 25, 2016 of France 3 and Provincial Administration for Religious 2016 June 6-10, Attended the “5th Global Inter-Religious Aff airs of PRC 15 2016 Conference on Article 9” in Osaka, Japan May 10, Reception of Dr. Zhu Yi-wen, Center for the 4 Attended the Central Committee Meeting of 2016 Study of Religion and Culture, Shanghai June 21- 16 World Council of Churches in Trondheim, May 19- Attended the Religion Policy of PRC class 29, 2016 5 Norway 20, 2016 in Shenzhen, China Attended the “Christianity and Religion in Reception of The Committee of Three- China” Conference of Ecclesiology May 26, Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant July 6 Research Network at SKH Ming Hua 2016 Churches in Guangzhou and Guangzhou 17 20-22, Theological College and the Centre for Christian Council 2016 Catholic Studies, Department of Cultural July 16- Served as preacher at the Church of Our 7 and Religious Studies, CUHK 17, 2016 Saviour, Guangzhou Attended the opening of the "Ecumenical Reception of the Three-Self Patriotic August 17, School on Governance, Economics and 8 Movement of the Protestant Churches in August Management for an Economy of Life" 2016 18 Jiangxi and the Jiangxi Christian Council 22, 2016 held by the WCC at the Tao Fung Shan Christian Centre and gave welcoming I. Connection with overseas church speech. and meetings: Attended the welcome dinner for August "Ecumenical School on Governance, 19 Date Item 26, 2016 Economics and Management for an Met with Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, Economy of Life" held by the WCC September 1 General Secretary of Christian Conference 21, 2015 Led the exposure visit of "Ecumenical of Asia August School on Governance, Economics and 20 September Reception of Mr. Brian Allain of the 27, 2016 Management for an Economy of Life" 2 22, 2015 Frederick Buechner Center held by the WCC Reception of Ms. Christine Elliott,
General Secretary’s Report October 3 Director for World Church Programmes, 30, 2015 J. People at a Glance: Churches Together in Britain and Ireland 1. Dr. Man Chi-yin was appointed as new Hospital Reception of Elder Heath Rada, Moderator November Chief Executive, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole 4 of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and six 11, 2015 Hospital from December 1, 2015. delegation members November Attended the United and Uniting 2. Fr. Tam Kwan, Stephen, former Chairperson 25 - Churches Consultation of Faith and of Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical 5 December Order Commission, World Council of Commission, passed away on December 8, 2015. 6, 2015 Churches in Chennai, India 3 Rev. Dr. Chan Kim-kwong, Executive Secretary, Reception of Mr. Tero Nojanen, Deputy January retired on February 7, 2016. Rev. Po Kam- 6 Director of The Finnish Evangelical 26, 2016 Lutheran Mission cheong on behalf of the Council expressed thanks for his 18 years of contributions. Reception of Dr. Zhu Xiao-ling of Global February Ministries of the Christian Church 7 4. Mr. Liu Man-kin was elected as President of Tsung 1, 2016 (Disciples of Christ) and United Church Tsin Mission of Hong Kong on March 25, 2016. of Christ 5. Rev. Pong Kin-sun of The Hong Kong Chinese February Reception of General André Cox and other 8 23, 2016 representatives of The Salvation Army Christian Churches Union was elected as the Chairperson of The Board of Directors in 2016.
16 Hong Kong Christian Council Committee Ministries B.Needy Children Sponsorship Program Resource Sharing and This project was set up in September 2014 and Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee aims to support the children who live in deprived Church Witness Committee rural areas. Though they are not parentless, their families are living in adverse conditions. Some The Committee is chaired by Dr. Yick Kar-lim, children are in great need as their parents are Lawrence. Executive staff is Ms. Wong Yuk-ha, absent for a few years or have suffered critical Winnie. The "Five Loaves and Two Fish Program" illnesses, or even are imprisoned. The annual is the resources sharing program of the Council that sponsorship fee for one needy child is HK$2,500. manages the following projects: Project details of 2015/16 are as follows:
A. Rural China Orphan Sponsorship Item Report till Aug 2016 1.Children under sponsorship Project 323 The project supports rural orphans in poor districts (Henan district projects cancelled) 2.Children under sponsorship in China so they can grow up in a more stable 63 environment. Sponsoring an orphan costs HK$2,500 (Shandong District) per year. Project details of 2015/16 are as follows: 3. Sponsors 173 Item Report till Aug 2016 Percentage Program Highlights 1. Orphans under 1,106 There were 323 children and 94 donors aff ected sponsorship by the sudden cancellation of the project in Henan 780 (other districts) 2. Sponsors Province, which comprise 84% and 54% of the 730 (Henan districts) total number respectively. The offi ce of“Five Loaves 3. Provinces under and Two Fish”informed the affected donors and sponsorship recommended that they do not withdraw and A. Shandong 52 4.65 that they continue to support the related project B. Henan (program by transferring the quotas to other districts. 1,019 92.17 being cancelled) Approximately 203 quotas have been successfully D. Jiangsu 11 1 transferred to Anhui Province, Myanmar and Cambodia to support the needy children there. E. Ningxia 24 2.18 Total 1,106 100 C. Rebuilding Collapsing Schools Project This project aims to build safe and well-equipped Report till Item Percentage Aug 2016 school buildings in the poor mountain areas in China so that students are able to finish their primary 1. No. of affected Orphans by “Charity Foundation of Zhou 1,057 49 school studies in a proper environment. In 2015/16, Kou District” four schools were built at the cost of HK$1,056,000. 2. No. of aff ected donors 730 48 A list of school names and their funding amounts are shown in the following table: Total 1,057 New School Amount Old School Name Program Highlights Name (HK$) 1.Gansu Province Ding Xi City Xi Yan No. 22 This April, “Five loaves and Two Fish” office Wen Feng County Xi Shi Pu Primary 275,000 received a cancellation notice from “Charity Foundation Primary School School of Zhou Kou District”, it stated that due to internal 2.Gansu Province Ding Xi City Xi Yan No. 23 problems, all projects were cancelled with immediate Wen Feng County Sun Peng Primary 275,000 eff ect. There are 1,057 orphans and 730 donors in Primary School School total, of which 49% and 48% of the total numbers 3.Gansu Province Ding Xi City Zheng Jia were affected. The office informed the affected Gong Chang County Wang Primary 275,000 donors, suggested that their sponsorship transfer Jia Min Primary School School to the Needy Children Sponsorship Program. There 4.Yunnan Province Wen Shan Guang Ai were 511 child quotas were successfully matched in Zhou Fu Ning County Bo Pu Teaching 231,000 Anhui Province, Myanmar and Cambodia. Primary School Building Total Subsidy: 1,056,000
2015/2016 Annual Report 17 / / / 7 26 11 11 62 55 34 26 26 26 125 in 2016 Graduates / / / / 4 4 20 91 86 37 25 25 57 Students) Students) (incl.1 MA (incl.1 MA Freshmen (incl.3 MA (incl.3 MA of 2015-16 7 3 40 19 865 146 323 102 102 546 139 131 105 105 190 under No. of 1,165 students sponsorship
* Sub Total Sub Total Sub Total Sub Total Total no. of sponsors Total Aff airs Offi ce of Sichuan airs Offi Aff School of Medicine
. Students managed School of Medicine (including students who were interviewed in 3 universities, (including 196 graduates during the year 2015) A.Students from diff erent diff from A.Students A.Students from erent districts diff districts (Henan district cancelled) B. Fujian University Technology of
B.Students managed by Red Cross, Province Wuding by Overseas Chinese (Technical School) (Technical B. Shaoguan University C. Shaoguan University A Liangshan Prefecture Distribution of Students Area 1.Yunnan A.Kunming Medical University 2.Managed by YWCA, Nanjing 5. Students from Cambodia no of graduates Total 4. Sichuan Province 3.Managed by Charity Foundation of Zhou Kou District in Henan Total no. of students Total under sponsorship * as well as those who have been promoted to universities and under the Senior High School Scholarship Project/ Rural China Orphan Sponsorship Project) support, but also encourage a mentor relationship Theofsponsoringcost withtheir sponsored students. per year. student is HK$8,500 undergraduate an for daily living mainly is amount The sponsorship are also Students as well as lodging. expenses or government university for apply to encouraged fees. tuition their for pay to subsidies and grants details of 2015/16 are listed below The sponsorship August 2016): (Report till 643 367 351 school st Report till Aug 2016 Report till This project aims at supporting supporting at aims project This Hong Kong Christian Council outstanding students in rural China by China by rural in outstanding students helping them complete their undergraduate provide financial Sponsors not only study. There were 367 students and 182 donors aff ected There were 367 students and 182 donors aff This project is to fill the gap following the following the This project is to fill the gap As the border opening of Myanmar, many many Myanmar, opening of border As the From December 24-29, 2015, a rural school school a rural 2015, 24-29, December From sponsored (Henan district cancelled) 2. Senior high school students 3. Sponsors 1. Senior high school students sponsored Item by the sudden cancellation of the project in Henan Henan in project the of cancellation sudden the by the of 36.7% and 36.3% comprises which Province, ce of “Five Loaves total number The respectively. offi and donors the affected Fish”informed Two and recommended that they do not withdraw and that they continue to support the related project by transferring Approximately 159 districts. the quotas to other to successfully transferred have been quotas Anhui and Shandong Provinces. Sichuan, implementation of nine-year compulsory education education implementation of nine-year compulsory school education. with three years of senior high school high senior a sponsoring for fee annual The of details sponsorship The HK$3,000. student is 2015/2016 are as follows: villagers are allowed to return to their abandoned abandoned their to return to allowed are villagers schools and Homes war. civil the after villages home The 1 rebuilding were started without delay. visit delegation, consisted of 20 staff members members staff 20 of consisted delegation, visit 500 over visit to organized was and volunteers visit, the During this 6-day and students. teachers Yunnan in schools visited 4 sponsored delegation Jia Village Shan City Shen they are: Bao Province, Building), Teaching Shan (Yi Ge Jia Primary School Ma Primary Xia Wu Village Yi Bao Shan City Xi Yong Building), Teaching Guo Feng School (Tang Cheng (Chen School Primary Xin Gui County Ping Ping County Yong Building) and En Multi-function Primary School, and Shi Zi Guo Sui Xie Village ceremonies. conducted the opening was started in nished 2015 by and the fi end of the Since then more donors were willing to same year. school 4th hopefully the and the projects support will be completed by end of December 2016, their study therefore more children can continue The total donation of HK$960,000 for properly. these projects were received. E. Project Torch D.Senior High School Scholarship Project D.Senior High School Scholarship Program Highlights Program
Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee 18 Project Highlights: There were 414 students and 265 donors were affected by the sudden cancellation of the project in the Henan district, which comprise 39.5% and 48% of the total number respectively. The office of“Five Loaves and Two Fish”informed the aff ected Resource Sharing and Church Witness Committee donors and that they do not withdraw and continue to support the related project by transferring the quotas to other districts. Approximately 131 quotas have been successfully transferred to Sichuan, Drinking Water Project in Hua Bo Village, Yunnan Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces. Zhong Zhuang Village, Da Zhuang Village and F. Rural Village Development Project Jian Shan Village who have benefi ted. 1. In December 2015, with a donation of RMB110,000 the Drinking Water Project in Xi Shan Town Hua G. School Library Books Project Bo Village was completed, and about 25 families The Council has supported the founding of a (87 villagers) have benefited. Additionally, with library at “Fullmoon Orphanage”in Myanmar. There a donation of RMB15,000 a public washroom in are about 350 orphans in the orphanage, which has the same village was also completed at the same lacked children’s books for many years. Through time. this Project, orphans of different ages will be able to develop their reading interest and have more comprehensive development. The opening ceremony of the library took place on December 26, 2015, with computers and appliances donated as well. H. Emergency Relief 1. On April 25, 2015, at 11:41 a.m., a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It was the strongest earthquake in the 2015 Christmas visited the Primary school students past 81 years. The Council immediately allotted HK$300,000 from its “Emergency Relief Fund” 2. During July 8-12, 2016, members from Lok To to start relief work channelled through the ACT Sham Shui Po Church formed a nine-person Alliance. The Council appealed to the public to delegation to visit the villagers in Lang Ba raise funds and the response was very positive. A Shan and Wu Shui He, people who lived in total of HK$3,500,000 was raised. HK$2,000,000 mountainous areas for years due to their lack has been allocated to ACT Alliance for relief of offi cial citizenship there. This is the third year works in different areas. A delegation with they paid visit to the villages and after three representatives from different countries was years of providing subsidy to the kids there, they organized by ACT in mid-January 2016, which found that the kids are getting literate and are visited those disaster-struck areas, and a healthier than before. representative from the Council attended as well. Furthermore, the Council also worked with “Habitat For Humanity,”a joint project in Nepal in which 67 families’households will be built.
I. Others 1. The themes of the newsletter of “Five Loaves & Two Fish” during 2015-2016 were: 34th issue –Needy Children Program; 35th issue – The Sustainable Sharing. A“Skip 5 Meals, Give Some Lok To Sham Shui Po Church visited rural village Help” fundraising campaign also launched. of Bao Shan County, Yunnan 2. An appeal was made by “Five Loaves & Two 3. A donation of HK$148,000 was received to Fish” to individuals and churches for supporting support the Drinking Water Project in Kang Jia the printing and posting fees of the newsletter. Zhi Village, Gansu. There are 74 families from HK$22,608.55 was received.
2015/2016 Annual Report 19
The committee submitted a paper to the paper to the The committee submitted a From the night of February 8 (the Lunar New From the night of February 8 (the Lunar New Five shareholders and staffs of Causeway Bay of Causeway Bay shareholders and staffs Five respond to the Universal Retirement Protection?” Protection?” Retirement Universal the to respond Memorial Methodist 2016 at Ward April, held on 24 About 50 scholars, leaders and believers Church. attended it. “One the then launched and in June government the to movement Submission” One Christian Then the committee co-signed a government. Alliance for Universal Pension (AFUP) statement by universal the implement to government the urge to also organized committee The scheme. retirement Kong Catholic a prayer meeting with Hong About 80 airs on June 19. Aff Commission for Labour prayer the and after attended and believers priests march organized meeting most of them joined the in Central. AFUP by in Mongkok Year's Day) to the early hours of the following day, the following day, Day) to the early hours of Year's police the happened between that clashes the and members of the public in Mongkok eventually Bookstore had successively gone missing in a Bookstore had successively gone missing in a Kong Hong the caused incident The months. few people to worry about the freedom of speech and publication as well as the personal safety of citizens, Systems Two the rule of law and the One Country The committee prepared a prayer about it policy. for the churches and urged them to pray for the ve missing persons and fi continue to be concerned about these issues. 4. The Clashes between Police and the Public 3. Causeway Bay Bookstore Incident 3. Prayer meeting with Hong Kong Commission for Labour Aff airs in Central Aff for Labour Prayer meeting with Hong Kong Commission the Poor on “How should Churches Churches should on “How Poor the & Hong Kong Church Network for & Hong Kong Church Network for committee co-organized a seminar with committee co-organized a seminar with Movement Renewal Church Kong Hong Hong Kong Christian Council Justice and Social Concern Committee Concern Social and Justice The government conducted a public consultation public a conducted government The HKCC supports the implementation of universal HKCC supports the implementation The Committee is chaired by Mrs. Cheung-Ang Cheung-Ang Mrs. by chaired is Committee The on retirement protection at the end of last year. The year. end of last the on retirement protection at 2. Retirement Protection 1. Christian Electors of the Election 1. Committee A. Policy advocacy and social concern A. Policy advocacy and social suffrage for the chief executive and all the and all the executive for the chief suffrage and we hold the legislators as soon as possible is only temporary. view that the Election Committee to adopt the “one Therefore the HKCC has decided an educational as method vote” one Christian, Christians. of participation the maximize to process of full was method the past the in However, eligibility controversy surrounding the concept, as well as of voters, and electoral arrangements The the accountability of the Christian electors. Justice and Social Concern Committee advised the questions the to respond to Committee Executive manipulation, to vulnerability fairness and the about views. and opinions more to listen to and Afterwards the Council conducted two consultations respectively. ministers church and congregations for on Meeting General Extraordinary an held it Lastly, June 30, which decided that the method for election of Christian electors to the Election Committee 2017 would be drawing lots. Siew-mei. The Executive Staff is Mr. Wan Hoi-wing. Wan is Mr. The Executive Staff Siew-mei.
Justice and Social Concern Committee 20 Justice and Social Concern Committee 21 2015/2016 Annual Report Annual 2015/2016 . Hong Kong Gambling Watch held a press held a press Watch Hong Kong Gambling promoted During the past year the Committee 2016. 1, May on observed was Sunday Labor on July 3, Hong Kong Sunday was celebrated Sea Sunday was observed on July 10, 2016. For commemorating World Refugee Day 2016, 2016, Day Refugee World commemorating For strategy of handling non-refoulement non-refoulement handling of strategy andclaims that Hongmay Kong withdraw Torture Against Convention UN the from to right the that stated We necessary. if should and nobody torture is absolute be against facing while country home his/her to returned be 100 with more than the committee, Then threats. co- individuals, notable 80 and organizations called “Stop Discrimination: signed a joint statement Debate,” Refugee Community Calls on for Calm published on April 11. It called upon all parties, published parties, all called upon It April on 11. Kong Government, to work including the Hong discrimination that ensuring in collaboratively together society has no place in our B. Special Sundays the event. About 400 people attended. the event. 9. Gambling Watch conference on April 8, opposing the Jockey Club’s Club’s Jockey opposing the April 8, conference on to the calendar. move to add 13 more racing days material for three special Sundays. Kong Christian The material was prepared by Hong Industrial Committee. prepared by The sermon and prayer were 2016. Wai-cheong. Wong Rev. to Mission the by prepared was material The Seafarers. the network co-organized a special program on program on co-organized a special network the also prepared We Church. Vine June 18, 2018 at pastoral care for and distributed a handbook on meeting, and the refugees for churches at the the churches after handbook has also been sent to "How should Churches respond to the Unirersal Retirement Protection" Seminar "How should Churches respond to the Unirersal Retirement Protection" A statement was issued by Christian Refugees statement was issued by Christian Refugees A The Committee wrote to the Minimum Wage Wage The Committee wrote to the Minimum The chairlady, with 11 pastors and Christian and Christian pastors with 11 chairlady, The The situation of ethnic minority (EM) children in ethnic minority (EM) children in The situation of Hong Kong is that they have always been deprived they have always been deprived Hong Kong is that education, against the basis of the right to receive being themselves and find equal opportunity, of receive did not EM students against. discriminated in schools as Chinese support same learning the schools some public that and research found In a segregation phenomenon. seemed to have committee sent a letter to the October 2015 the EB (EB) to express our concern. Education Bureau 2016 and explained the details replied to us in June of the education policies. 8. Refugees and Asylum seekers Refugees and 8. 7. Minimum Wage Council. 6. Cross Demolitions in Mainland China 6. 5. Education of Ethnic Minorities Education of 5. turned into a serious disturbance and more than than more and disturbance serious a into turned out sent committee The were injured. people 100 for pray to churches the to request a and prayer a Hong Kong. Ministry on January 14, 2016 responding to the the to responding 2016 14, January on Ministry policy address of chief executive which announced that the government is considering a change in the Commission on the review of the Statutory Statutory the of review on the Commission support the view We rate in July. Minimum Wage or $35 to raised be should wage minimum that above per hour. leaders, met Mr. Shen Chong, liaison offi ce minister Shen Chong, liaison offi leaders, met Mr. Government on February of the Central People’s cross forced over concerns the express to 2016, 1, Joseph Rev. of arrest the Zhejiang and in removal Christian Gu, the president of Zhejiang Provincial B. Ecumenical Formation Program 1. Ecumenical Summer Internship Program including the Hong Kong Christian Institute, Hong HKCC held the summer social pastoral internship Kong Christian Council (Eco Concern Ministry), program this year from June 13 to August 12. The The Church of Christ in China Shum Oi Church, program aims to nurture university Christian and The Church of Christ in China Cheung Chau theological students to participate in the ecumenical Church, Justice and Peace Commission of the HK movement and to provide internship and study Catholic Diocese, JJJ Association, Queer Theology experience through project-based learning, where Academy, One Body in Christ, Catholic Messenger students reflect on Christian faith and practice of of Green Consciousness, and Hong Kong Citizens. the relationship between justice and peace. This The program started with the students participating year's study focused on the theme: "Lord in Hong in the Opening Ceremony with worship to prepare Kong – the awakening and political life". A total of for the two-month internship. The fi rst week’s retreat ten students participated from the Divinity School of camp held in Bradbury Retreat Centre in Cheung Chung Chi College (CUHK), Bible Seminary of Hong Chau, it aimed to deepen group relationships and Kong, Lutheran Theological Seminary and some provide orientation. The Camp was divided into colleges and universities, including one student three sub-themes, 1) Understanding Ecumenical from Taiwan's Chang Jung Christian University and History. We had invited Dr. Connie Au of a member Justice and Social Concern Committee three mainland students studying at Chung Chi of HKCC Church Unity and Retations Committe; College. This diversity allowed the group to share 2) "Exploration of Cheung Chau community". We their individual experiences that would help to visited various regional organizations and churches deepen the understanding of the situation in Taiwan, to see the community pastoral work; 3) "Dialogue mainland China and Hong Kong and to broaden of past alumni in the work of church". Past students each other's horizons. A total of 10 churches and came to share their work about how to put in organizations provided internship opportunities practice the ecumenical spirit.
22 Hong Kong Christian Council In addition to training students in various institutions and churches internships, seminars were held every Tuesday for tutorials and discussion of readings in order to combine faith and practice for
theological reflection. The eight tutorial sessions Justice and Social Concern Committee matched the four study topics of “Community shepherding", "Gender justice", “Political concerns” and "Eco-justice". In addition, every week a total of four devotional exercises help students organize internship experiences and feelings and support each other. Helping the students to gain a deeper understanding diff erent sexual orientation. of social issues, exposure visits were arranged. They The graduation ceremony concluded the program fi rst visited Yau Ma Tei community, led by a preacher with worship and a fellowship meal hosted by who is active in publishing a district newspaper. It the students. They invited friends and relatives helped them to learn about the small businesses involved in the ecumenical movement to join them and how do the churches provide pastoral care to share the results of student internships as well as in community. Then they visited Lantau island led blessings with each other. by "Save Lantau Alliance", they arranged a local tour for the students to visit the places where were 2. Youth Training Program affected by urban planning. They explained the i. Start cycling in the city workshop difficulties and ecological crisis that the residents were facing, giving the ecological reasons and In this year from 18th January to 7th March the voices on the concern of eco-conservation. For program had 25 participants including youth and the third visit, they were arranged to participate pastors from different churches. We invited two the prayer gathering on July 1, 2016 , to join the tutors, Mr. Pong Yat Ming (living revolutionaries), demonstration protest and to serve at the street and Rev. Chan Ka Leung, a member of Hong Kong stalls for their internship organizations. Cycling alliance. This course had six lessons to give students to understand the skills cycling safely on There were a public lecture "Dialogue between the street, and cycling practice in different areas diff erent sexual orientation", speakers included: Ms of Hong Kong, to experience and review bicycle- Pearl Wong, General Director of Queer Theology friendly policy in Hong Kong. During the course, Academy, and Mr Eric, Chairman of Queer Theology we discussed three topics including: environmental Academy. Also, a friend of transgender and bisexual practice in daily life of cycling, urban design and Ms Joanne Leung, and a carer of intersex Ms Small road safety, faith response cycling action. Luk. They had a deep reflections and sharing on how to arouse churches concern on people of ii. "Ten years" fi lm screenings and dialogue The program held two sessions, 23rd March in the Church of Christ in China Mongkok Church and the 20th April in the China Congregational Church organized respectively. It hosted a total of about 400 people. We had invited the fi lm's producer and director, Mr. Andrew Choi, Mr. Ng Ka Leung and Mr. Kiwi Chow, especially, in 23rd March also invited several speakers to talk with them, guests including Mr. Ben Ho (Research Assistant of Divinity School of Chung Chi College CUHK, Executive Editor of the publication "Catch"), Mr. Kenneth Lau (Community development organizers, 2015 District Council election candidates). And the program host Mr. Kevin Li from Methodist Church Hong Kong. “Ten years" is the hot film which concerns Hong Kong political life. This fi lm got the Best Film award in the Hong Kong Film Awards. It aroused a critical discussion around churches.
2015/2016 Annual Report 23 C. Eco-concern Ministry The group convener is Rev. Wong Ka-fai. The responsible staff is Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, Jessica.
1. HEAcadamy, Heaven and Earth Academy The newly established "HEAcadamy" serves as an ecological learning platform. Through organizing regular Bible courses, workshops and local eco tours, we let Christians experience how ecological concern is closely linked with our faith and realize that the dwelling place of God is among the people.
List of Activities: observed in Hong Kong with special services held • March 25, 2016 “HEAcadamy Kick-off.” We at Kowloon Union Church on June 5, 2016 with invited Prof. Yam Chi-keung to share the vision of collaboration from Mr. Chan Ka, Timothy. HEAcadamy and we had a brainstorming session with participants for our further development. 3. Long Island Retreat • April 1 to May 6, 2016 book reading group on Cheung Chau Bradbury Retreat Centre (also “Planetwise: Dare to Care for God’s World” with known as Long Island Retreat) has been returned Ms. Chan Yin-ming, Christina as host. to our council for operation since April 1, 2016. Apart from camp rental services, we would • May 20 and August 12, 2016 “Mindful Exercise” also like to incorporate eco-concern elements, through slow eating and walking to achieve so that Long Island Retreat can be a place to inner calmness with Gabi Baumgartner as practice simple living. We organized “Cheung facilitator. Chau exploration day” on May 7, 2016 for the • June 10 to 24, 2016 in cooperation with Christian site tour. We invited Mr. Siu Shun-cheung for Times, we organized a three-lesson course touring environmental participation in Cheung named as “Cook, Eat and God: Food and Chau. Additionally, our intern Mr. Lo Hon-ho Christian faith” with Prof. Yam Chi-keung as the developed diff erent kinds of green decorations in course teacher. our retreat center, including aquaponics systems, environmental enzymes, a second-hand furniture • July 8, 2016 “The Food Fascists” fi lm screening collection and a small fl ower garden. and sharing with Mr. Yip Man-hay (director) and Prof. Yam Chi-keung.
Justice and Social Concern Committee • July 22, 2016 “Handmade Anti-Mosquito Product Workshop” in cooperation with “Frankly Speaking” (brand of handmade soap). • August 5, 2016 “Handmade Environmentally Friendly Napkin Workshop” in cooperation with “Happeriod” (brand of handmade period products).
2. Eco-Concern Sunday Every year we invite all the churches in Hong Kong to hold an "Eco-concern Sunday." This year we were to glad to have Prof. Yam Chi-keung write a sermon for churches in Hong Kong with the title "People go out to their work and to their labour until the evening." We hope to bring back our attention to the relationship between humankind and the Creation, and especially to be reminded of our role and position in God's Creation. Also, Eco-Concern Sunday was
24 Hong Kong Christian Council D. Gender Justice Ministry were carried out: “Young women sex education workshop,” “Children: movie The group convener is Rev. Wong Mei-fung, screening and pastoral sharing,” Phyllis. The responsible staff is Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, “Gender oppression: interactive theater Jessica.
workshop,” “Human library on Christian feminists” Justice and Social Concern Committee / Mission Ministerial Formation 1. Prevention of sexual harassment training in and “Handmade environmental friendly napkin churches workshop.” We received various invitations from different 3. Forums and Special Sunday denominations and churches, including Hong • A documentary screening and sharing called “War Kong Sheng Kung Hui clergy meeting and the is not over yet—remember respectable comfort Methodist Church (Wan Chai and Kwun Tong) for women” was organized on September 3, 2015. anti-sexual harassment training for pastors and We invited Koide Masao (Chinese University of ministers. They also showed interest in promoting Hong Kong instructor, Department of Japanese our policies at their churches. studies) and Uncle Hung (community storyteller) Additionally, from April 18 to May 16, 2016 we to be the orators of the sharing. organized a four-lesson training called “No sexual • Another documentary screening and sharing harassment within the church? Building a gender called “Do you hear the women sing?” was held inclusive church.” We invited Ms. Lam Cheuk-chi, on September 20, 2015. We invited Mr. Wong Prof. Wong Wai-ching and Rev. Jane Chui to share Chi-yue (scholarism spokeswoman), Ms. Cally on legal definitions, policy-making, and pastoral Yu (artist) and Ms. Tong, Wing-sze (director advice, respectively. Participants included pastors of Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre) to share and church leaders from the Methodist Church, views on women’s participation in the umbrella Assemblies of God, Ling Liang Church, and the movement. Christian and Missionary Alliance, among others. • “International Women’s Day” (March 13, 2016) 2. "if I were in her/his shoes" Gender Academy was observed in Hong Kong with special 2016 services held at Kowloon Union Church. Sex and gender are unavoidable issues at schools and churches. As there are urges and 4. Ecumenical Participation needs to address, we initiated a series of trainings Ms. Tso Hiu-tung, Jessica was invited to join named "if I were in her/his shoes" Gender Asian Church Women’s Conference general Academy from July 4 to August 5, 2016. We meeting during May 19-26, 2016 in Taipei. hope that by providing different resources about gender education, we can learn more methods for positively discussing sex and gender. The Mission and Ministerial training not only aimed to fight for women’s rights, but also to help men and women to break Formation Committee out of restrictive gender roles. Five activities Rev. Chan Kwok Keung chairs the committee. The executive staff are Rev. Chan Kim-kwong and Mr. Wan Hoi Wing. Rev. Dr. Lo Cho-ching and Rev. Li Siu-po visited Hainan Christian Council and conducted courses for the whole provincial pastors during October 31 - November 5, 2015. Rev. Chan Kwok Keung, Rev. Yung Chuen-hung, Rev. Randy Wong Ka-po conducted courses for the faculty and students of the Dali Bible School, Yunnan, on September 5-9, 2016.
2015/2016 Annual Report 25 Church Unity and Relations Committee
Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon is the committee the consultant and Ms. Zion Chan is the convenor chairperson. Executive staff is Ms. Kung Ka-wai. Rev. of the working group. The group aims to promote Dr. Chan Kim-kwong and Mr. Jeff Kwong are the partnership among churches and organizations, to executive staff of the ministries and administration of exchange experiences and to be concerned with all the prayer room in Hong Kong International Airport issues about women. The working group prepared and of the coordination of the Council’s programs the bi-annual event of Praise and Sharing, including with other religions in Hong Kong. seminars and workshops which are scheduled to be held on October 22, 2016. A.The Movement of Church Unity (January 18-25, 2016) C. World Day of Prayer The theme of the Week of Prayer was “Called to The World Day of Prayer (Hong Kong) Committee proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord” (1 Peter 2:9). is responsible for the promotion of this ecumenical Major events were: prayer movement in Hong Kong. Prof. Mabel Wu is the chairperson for the term lasting from June 1, 1. Joint Ecumenical Communion Service 2015 to May 31, 2016. In Hong Kong, a worship The service was held on January 21 at Shamshuipo service took place on March 5, 2016 at HKSKH All Tsung Tsin Church. Dr. Simon Chow (President of Saints’ Cathedral with the theme “Received Children Lutheran Theological Seminary) was the preacher. Received Me.” The worship materials were prepared Approximately 300 participants attended the service. by women from Egypt and revised by the working group assigned by the committee. The committee invited the Right Rev Andrew Chan to deliver the message during the service. The committee donated an off ering to the Church of the Egypt to develop women’s work.
Rev. Lo Cho-ching was the celebrant of Communion Service 2. Prayer Service for Christian Unity A worship service was held on January 16 at the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. There were over 400 participants joining the service Joint Choir to pray for church unity. The Most Rev Michael Church Unity and Relations Committee Yeung was invited as the preacher. D. Theological Exchange Task Force The task force was set up in April, 2015 under the 3. English Unity Service cooperative framework of Diocesan Ecumenical The English Unity Service took place at Our Lady Commission, Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong and of Mt. Carmel Church on January 20 with Fr. John Church Unity and Relations Committee, aiming at Cuff as Preacher. providing a platform of theological exchange so as to enhance church unity. The group is established 4. Pulpit Exchange to explore building the common language for unity, Ministers of different denominations were and promotion of mutual understanding of the encouraged to exchange pulpits on January 24 to denominational differences and learning of the deepen mutual understanding and make visible the diversifi ed ecumenical spirit. For the year of 2015- concept of unity. 2016 the chairperson of the task force is Rev. Dr. Canon Dr. Chan Hin-cheung. On November 22, 5. Joint Statement 2015 the task force published the common version A Joint Statement was issued by the committee, of the “Unity Prayer.” On March 13, 2016 the first HK Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, public seminar was held at Chinese Methodist and Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Church with the theme of “Baptizing them” (Matthew Southeast Asia. 28:19). The second public seminar was held on June 26, 2016 at ELCHK Truth Lutheran Church with the B. Women’s Ministry Working theme of “This is my body” (1 Corinthians 11:24), Group focusing on communion. For the future, the group Rev. Canon Peter Douglas Koon is planned two more seminars which are scheduled to be held on September 11 and November 13, 2016. 26 Hong Kong Christian Council eco-system and stones, and enjoyed a mine village lunch on October 10, 2015. There were 10 Protestants who participated in this annual event.
v. Administration of the Prayer Room at the Church Unity and Relations Committee Hong Kong International Airport Group photo of the open seminar of March 13 The Airport Authority has currently established five multi-faith prayer rooms in the airport (the The themes are “Feed my lambs,” which is about fifth one was set up in 2016 and opened to public ministry (John 21:15) and “There is one body,” this March, located in Midfield Concourse in the which is about the Church (Ephesians 4:4). Also, airport.) Since 1998 it had invited the Six Religions the task force set up an internal study group which Leaders Colloquium to manage these venues. has been editing a common Chinese version of the The colloquium had appointed Rev. Dr. Chan Kim- Nicene Creed. kwong, who retired in February 2016, and Mr. Jeff Kwong succeeded to liaise with the Airport Authority E. Relationship with other Religions on behalf of the colloquium. He organized voluntary 1. The Meetings of the Colloquium of Six chaplains to be stationed at the prayer rooms, and Religions Leaders coordinated the voluntary chaplains to participate in The Second bi-annual meeting of 2015 was the Annual Crash Exercise. held on November 26, 2015 at the ELCHK Truth From September 2015 to August 2016, every Lutheran Church in Yau Ma Tei. Rev. Eric So month there was an average of four to fi ve voluntary Shing-yit represented the Council; Rev. Dr. Chan chaplains attending the prayer rooms at the Kim-kwong and Ms. Wincy Leung served at the airport to bring blessings and spiritual support to colloquium secretariat. passengers and staff of all faiths. More than 1,600 The First bi-annual meeting in 2016 was held direct contacts were made by the chaplains. The on May 26 at the Hong Kong Taoist Association in Airport Chaplaincy has also participated in the Cheung Sha Wan. Rev. So Shing-yat, Eric, Bishop Annual Crash Exercise. The voluntary chaplains Chang Chun-wa, Ben, Rev. Canon Peter Douglas serving during this period were: Rev. Sammy Lo Koon and Rev. Po Kam-cheong represented the (until the end of 2015), Rev. Isabel Hung, Rev. Yau Council; Ms. Wincy Leung, Mr. Jeff Kwong and Ms Sui-sang, Rev. Ip Suet-fung, Ms. Jessica Yuen, Rev. Winnie Kung served at the Secretariat. Stephen Hung, and Rev. Dr. Chan Kim-kwong (who continued to volunteer after his retirement). 2. Inter-faith Dialogue Rev. Dr. Hui Hoi-ming represented the Protestant 6. The Religious Sector National Day sector for this dialogue on December 15, 2015 at Reception the Sik Sik Yuen Lecture Hall in Wong Tai Sin. The Reception for the 66th Anniversary of the 3. Chinese New Year Gathering Founding of the People’s Republic of China was held on September 22. The Council co-organized The Chinese New Year Gathering was held on and coordinated the Protestant participation of this February 23 at Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College annual event. in Chai Wan. More than 200 guests representing six religions attended this event. 7. Other Inter-faith activities: The General Secretary of the Council Rev. Po Kam-cheong attended Hong Kong Taoist Day and Spring Reception on March 13, 2015. The General Secretary of the Council Rev. Po Kam-cheong attended the Buddhist funeral ceremony of Venerable Wing Sing on May 12, 2016. The General Secretary of the Council Rev. Po Chinese New Year Gathering Kam-cheong attended Buddha Day celebration on May 14, 2016. 4. Inter-Faith Visitation Mr. Jeff Kwong and Ms. Della Lee joined the The Church Unity and Relations Committee Guangxi tour with the secretariat of Colloquium of hosted 60 guests from six religions to visit Grace Six Religions Leaders from May 22-25, 2016. Youth Camp in Ma On Shan, Shatin. They explored the religious heritage of the mine village, the natural 2015/2016 Annual Report 27 The Committee produced a series of Special Communication and Sunday radio broadcasts: Message Committee Nov. 8 - German-Speaking Evangelical-Lutheran Rev. Kan Kei-piu is the committee chairperson, Congregation in HK and Ms. Kung Ka-wai is the executive staff . Nov. 29 - St. John’s HIV Centre (World AIDS Sunday) Dec. 13 - Kowloon Union Church (Advent 3) A. Chinese Publications Dec. 27 - International Students of Lutheran Theological 1. Message Seminary (Feast of St. Stephen) In the year of 2015-2016, Message Jan. 24 - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Our published 6 issues on a bi-monthly Lady of Mt. Carmel Church) basis with diff erent themes: Feb. 28 - International Mother Language Day No. of Issue Theme Apr. 10 - Methodist International Church 330 (Sept-Oct 2015) : Gender Justice May 1 - Christian Industrial Committee (Labour Sunday) 331 (Nov-Dec 2015) : Pastoral Retirement Trends June 5 - Environment Sunday featuring Dr. Yam Chi- 332 (Jan-Feb 2015) : Christian Unity keung Communication and Message Committee / English Ministries Spec ial Sundays Conclusion 333 (Mar-Apr 2015) : Retirement at Large July 10 - Mission to Seafarers (Sea Sunday) 334 (May-Jun 2015) : Electoral Aff airs July 24 - Asia Pacific Mission to Migrants (Migrant 335 (Jul-Aug 2015) : Life Education Sunday) 2. E-news Aug. 14 - Christ Temple Congregation In order to effectively publicize the ministries and Christmas Eve Midnight Mass was broadcast from new developments of the Council, the committee St John’s Cathedral and Christmas Day Mass from successfully launched the bi-weekly E-news the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception beginning in May 2009. The E-news covers on RTHK- Radio 4. topics including the latest ministries and activities, On May 3, 2016, the Committee conducted a newsworthy world news, current issues in the Christian Communications Seminar at Mariners’ Club in Christian sector, and social issues. The Council Tsimshatsui with Dr. Yam Chi-keung as keynote speaker. 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 Editor of “News and Views”. 185 issues have been published so far with 26 issues It is one of the major English publications of the published during this year. Council, giving a quarterly report on news of the Council and the Hong Kong Church. B. Chinese Broadcasting Mr. Ng Sze-yuen is the chairperson of the committee. Ms. Miann Chan is responsible for the two Special Sundays weekly Chinese radio religious programs broadcast To promote church unity through witness and on RTHK. prayer Unity Sunday, World Day of Prayer and World English Ministries Communion Sunday To Promote Christian concern special issues A. English Broadcasting Social Concern Sunday, Christian Family Sunday, Four Christian radio programs in English are aired Asia Sunday, Environment Sunday, Communications on RTHK-4 and RTHK-3 each week. Rev. Judy Chan Sunday, Hong Kong Sunday, Education Sunday and serves as Program Producer and Ms. Kammy Fung World AIDS Sunday is Program Administrator. The programs are: Sunday Service, Minutes that Matter, Refl ections and Thought Others for the Week. Women's Sunday, Labor Sunday, Seafarers’ Sunday, Elderly Sunday, National Sunday, Health These programs are supported by the ecumenical Sunday, Youth Sunday, Bible Sunday and Human Christian community under the auspices of the Rights Sunday Religious Broadcasting and Television Advisory Committee (English/Christian). Participants include Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Churches and Conclusion organizations in Hong Kong. This year’s Thank you to all colleagues, members of the Committee Chairperson is Rev. Ross Executive Committee, all committees and volunteers Royden of Christ Church (Anglican). who have been contributing their heart and time to the ministries. May our Lord reward you richly for 28 Hong Kong Christian Council your service.