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ASIA LUTHERAN HOME previous article next article December 1997

(On June 16, 1997, the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Christian Council unanimously passed the resolution on "The Hong Kong Christian Council's 1997 Handover Declaration," a response to the return of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China.)

1. We believe that July 1, 1997 is a day ordained by the Lord, who is the Ruler of all nations and the Lord of History. God both creates and reigns. God holds the past, the present and the future of Hong Kong.
2. We are proud of regaining our Chinese identity, we rejoice in this historic event, we are enthusiastic about becoming citizens of the People's Republic of China, and we fervently desire to be united with our people.
3. We support the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a part of the People's Republic of China, under the implementation of the policies of "one country, two systems," and "the present social, economic and legal systems remain unchanged for 50 years."
4. We resolutely commit ourselves to overcome all obstacles in order that we can establish a society of justice and peace, prosperity and stability, and contribute to our people and nation in accordance with our ability, conscience and faith.
5. We are determined to participate in the social construction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to safeguard the legal system, to promote an environment free of corruption, to respect the pluralistic social structure and social expression, and to protect the freedom of assembly, press, communication, religious belief, and academic freedom. We do not only expect that Hong Kong is getting materially affluent, but we also hope Hong Kong will be rich spiritually and morally. Thus, our society can be a peaceful, just, sharing, and progressive community.
6. We consider that the Hong Kong S A R has to be administered in accordance with the spirit of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the promises of the Basic Law. We request our S A R government and the Chinese government to revise the Basic Law from time to time in accordance with the needs of the social development and the will of the people. Thus, with the efforts of the people, our government can work for a better representative legislative system, be a trustworthy government, and build a society that promotes justice, equality, freedom, stability, prosperity, rule of law, freedom from corruption, and respect for human rights.
7. We consider that our task is not only to make our society stable, progressive and united, but also to shape Hong Kong in becoming a compassionate society. During the past fifteen transitional years, the gap between the rich and the poor in Hong Kong has widened. The number of people in poverty is increasing and the housing problem has become critical. Besides, the new migrants from mainland China suffer from poverty, the working class cannot share the fruit of the economic wealth, and the elderly who have made vital contributions to Hong Kong cannot receive adequate protection and care. We have to act on these matters adequately.
8. Churches in Hong Kong and Mainland China have a very close relationship, for we are one in the church of Christ. We will continue to deepen this relationship and share the love given by our Lord with each other in accordance with the "Three Mutual Principles", namely, mutual respect, non-subordination and non-interference.
9. As the visible sign of the Lord's salvation on earth, we (the church) have to take the responsibility to continue to preach the Gospel and nurture the spiritual lives of the people. We believe that the mission of the church is to establish a community of the Lord and to proclaim the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel leads us to give love where there is hatred, faith where there is suspicion, hope where there is darkness. We endeavor to be a dynamic and holy community, to bring forth the holy fragrance of Christ and to become a force for the sanctification of society.
10. Having an enthusiastic spirit in this historic moment, we commit ourselves to the calling of our Lord, that is, being faithful to our belief, witness, mission and vision. We pray and give thanks for the proclamation of the gospel, the revival of the church, the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the future of our people and the coming of the Lord's Kingdom. We deeply believe that the Lord who gives peace will bless this city from now and forevermore.

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