HONG KONG (SE): More than a hundred pastors and representatives from the Lutheran World Federation worldwide visited the Catholic Diocese Centre on Caine Road, and met with Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong, on November 8. The visit demonstrated the strong connection between the two churches and aimed to strengthen mutual understanding.
The federation hosted an Asian Church leadership conference in Hong Kong from November 8 to 11. After visiting St. John’s Cathedral on Garden Road, the representatives proceeded to the Catholic Diocese Centre.
The attendees included president, Bishop Henrik Stubkjær; vice president and chairperson of the Asian Council, Reverend Ben Chang; and Bishop Jackson Yeung of the Hong Kong Lutheran Church, along with over 80 leaders from Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, India, South Asia, and the Holy Land.
Additionally, around 30 representatives from American and European mission bodies, as well as the head office in Geneva, were also present.
Cardinal Chow warmly welcomed the Lutheran representatives, stating, “We are brothers and sisters. You are more than friends to us.” He acknowledged the strong relationship with the Lutheran Church and other Christian denominations, expressing his joy in hosting the gathering.
Vicar general, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, who is also the chairperson of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, along with Theresa Lumo Kung from the commission, presented recent developments in ecumenism in Hong Kong.
We are brothers and sisters. You are more than friends to us
Cardinal Stephen
They highlighted significant milestones, such as the Chinese translation of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, which was released ten years ago. Additionally, they discussed the recent ecumenical pilgrimage to Rome in May, during which Pope Francis met with leaders from the Catholic and Lutheran traditions, as well as other Christian denominations.
The pope emphasised the importance of acknowledging their shared roots and walking together in the path of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Cardinal Stephen, in return, presented a Chinese calligraphy with the words “Faith, hope and love” by Father Nicolas de Francqueville of Paris Foreign Missions Society as a souvenir to the Lutheran delegates.
Bishop Stubkjær expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasised the federation’s commitment to unity and reconciliation since its founding in 1947. He discussed the federation’s efforts in theology, its support for people in need, and its historical journey towards achieving greater unity with other Christian denominations.
He specifically highlighted the federation’s ongoing dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Church. This has led to significant milestones, including the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification in 1999, the joint Catholic-Lutheran commemoration of the Reformation with Pope Francis in 2016, and the recently renewed agreement for humanitarian cooperation with Caritas.
Bishop Stubkjær also recalled the federation’s visit to Pope Francis in June of this year, during which its members presented the pope with a flower given by a girl in Ukraine as a symbol of their shared hope for peace.
Jesus calls us to be one and to love and to serve our neighbour. When we do this together as Lutherans and Catholics, we show that unity means not only in word but also in action
Bishop Stubkjær
He concluded by acknowledging the strong connection between Lutherans and Catholics in Hong Kong.
“Jesus calls us to be one and to love and to serve our neighbour. When we do this together as Lutherans and Catholics, we show that unity means not only in word but also in action,” the Lutheran bishop said.
A video detailing the history of the Diocese of Hong Kong was shown to the delegates to provide insights into its various ministries. This led to questions about several issues currently faced by the Catholic Church, including the recent synod in Rome, women’s participation, and youth formation.
During a discussion about women’s roles in the Church, Cardinal Stephen emphasised that this topic remains open for dialogue at the synod. He pointed out the significant presence of women in various leadership roles within dicasteries and diocesan commissions. “So apart from ordained ministries, the Church relies a lot on women leadership,” he stated.
Cardinal Stephen also addressed the challenges of engaging youth in the Catholic Church, noting that other Christian denominations are succeeding in this area.
He discussed the decline in youth participation in Hong Kong, attributed to emigration, which is leaving the Church without many community leaders in their 30s and 40s. As a result, younger individuals in their 20s are stepping up to take on leadership roles.
He also highlighted the Catholic Church’s efforts to support the Holy Land through donations, the establishment of biblical institutes, and organising pilgrimages.
Afterward, the members of the federation visited the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where they attended a talk on the history and construction of this historic building, as well as an explanation of Cardinal Stephen’s coat of arms.
