wfn.org | Lutheran assembly considers role on international scene

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LWF to think anew about its role on the international scene
Noko takes positive attitude on religious freedom in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, July 25, 1997 (lwi) - The general secretary of the Lutheran
World Federation (LWF) said he wants to take a "positive, optimistic"
attitude toward the new administration in Hong Kong in regard to religious
freedom.

"However, if the provisions of basic law are not adhered to, I think there
will be the feeling that things are going backward," said. LWF General
Secretary Ishmael Noko of Zimbabwe. He spoke at an opening press briefing
for the Assembly July 8.

Noko, who attended the handover ceremonies July 1, observed that Mr. Tung
Chee-hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
referred to the Basic Law now governing the city, a law which stipulates
freedom of religion. The new administration has "kept its word" to the LWF,
assuring that all persons wishing to attend the Assembly would be granted
visas, Noko said. 

Noko concluded saying that there is no reason Hong Kong cannot "give good
impulses to the People's Republic of China. We should not start from a
negative point." 

Noko shared the platform at the briefing with Dr. Lam Tak Ho, chairperson
of the local planning committee and president of the Lutheran Theological
Seminary in Hong Kong, and 
Dr. Josephine Tso, chairperson of the Hong Kong Lutheran Federation.
Lutherans meeting in Hong Kong is one way the Lutheran World Federation can
have an impact on the local churches, said Lam. The Assembly "brings the
global neighborhood under one roof. In this way the LWF has great impact on
the local church, as brothers and sisters around the world show solidarity
with us by coming at a time when we face a new situation, a new opportunity
to serve our Lord," he said.

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