Under the agreement of the Joint Declaration issued in 1984 by the British and Chinese Governments, Hong Kong will become a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. The policy of "one country, two systems" has guaranteed that Hong Kong can maintain its present lifestyle for the next 50 years. The Christians in Hong Kong are asking the ecumenical community to pray for the peace and well-being of all of Hong Kong's 6 million residents during this time of transition and beyond.
The Hong Kong Christian Council is sponsoring an international prayer chain to circle the globe in 1997. All churches and Christian groups are most welcome to participate. Our ecumenical partners around the world are asked to remember Hong Kong specifically in the period from June 15, 1997 to July 15, 1997 in the following ways:
(1) Pray for Hong Kong during this period in your worship services and devotional times. Publicize the situation of Hong Kong in newsletters, bulletins and publications. You will find a list of prayer concerns in this brochure to guide you.
(2) Send one original PRAYER, POEM, SONG, DRAWING, BANNER (or whatever you would like!) etc. to the Council to share with the local churches in Hong Kong. These offerings will be a great encouragement to the people of Hong Kong and a visible sign of our unity and partnership in Jesus Christ. If you would like to join the 1997 Global Prayer Chain, please contact us by post at:
Hong Kong Christian CouncilThank you for your faithful support in this vital ministry of prayer!
33 Granville Road,
Tsimshatsui, Kowloon,
Hong KongTel: 852 23687123 Fax: 852 27242131
You may also contact us via e-mail at [email protected].
2. Pray that Christians in Hong Kong will continue to grow in number and spirit that we be well-equipped to face the new challenges and demands as citizens of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Pray that the church can continue to spread the Gospel without interference and undue restriction.
3. Pray for the unity of the church in Hong Kong that our witness may reveal the power and beauty of the Kingdom of God. May the leaders, pastors, ministers and intellectuals of the church be granted a special measure of wisdom and fortitude to carry out their calling faithfully.
4. Pray that the people of Hong Kong continue to develop a sense of commitment and belonging to Hong Kong and that they mutually support one another in building up community spirit and identity.
5. Pray for the continuing process of democratization in Hong Kong after 1997 and that the Government of the Special Administrative Region truly represent and be responsive to all the people of Hong Kong.
6. Pray that Hong Kong will continue to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and in the Basic Law, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association and assembly, academic freedom and freedom of conscience and religion.
7. Pray that the rule of law and an independent, impartial judicial system will be maintained to protect Hong Kong from corruption and the abuse of power by those in authority.
8. Pray for the rapidly growing number of unemployed and underemployed workers (150,000 in early 1996) due to the restructuring of economic forces between Hong Kong and China.
9. Pray for social justice on behalf of the most needy in Hong Kong, including new migrants from China, exploited workers, and women and children suffering from marital infidelity, domestic violence and child abuse. 10. Pray for opportunities for cooperation and unity between Hong Kong churches and churches in Mainland China. May both churches learn from each other and offer assistance to help each other in the love of Jesus Christ.
Source: ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
Canon Jim Rosenthal
Director of Communications
Anglican Communion Office
London, England
For more information on Bible studies available, visit the Churchlink site on the World Wide Web at http://www.churchlink.com.au/churchlink. Enquiries to: [email protected]
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