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[Audrey Whitefield <a.whitefield@quest.org.uk>]

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Feb. 14, 1997
ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
Canon Jim Rosenthal, Director of Communications
Anglican Communion Office
London, England

[97.2.2.10]

Hong Kong Church Global Prayer Chain

WELCOME TO THE 1997 HONG KONG CHURCH GLOBAL PRAYER CHAIN. WE NEED YOUR
CONCERN AND PRAYERS.

On July 1, 1997, a historic event will take place in Hong Kong. After
150
years as a British colony Hong Kong will return to the sovereignty of
the
People's Republic of China.
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 Council, 33 Granville Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon,
Hong
Kong
Tel: 852 23687123 Fax: 852 27242131
You may also contact us via e-mail at hkcc@hk.super.net. Thank you for
your
faithful support in this vital ministry of prayer!

PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Pray that the Church will steadfastly stand with the people of Hong
Kong
to give them courage and hope during this time of transition of
sovereignty.
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.