By Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, OFM
Two brothers, who have been separated for many years, are reunited after a long and difficult time with tears of joy. Although they are different in many ways, they are two brothers born from the same root! This metaphor was used by Archbishop of Hong Kong and Primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui [Anglican Church], Reverend Andrew Chan Au-ming, when he spoke at an ecumenical activity held at the Holy Spirit Seminary last month. He spoke very aptly of the inseparable, brotherly relationship between the Catholic and Anglican Churches within the body of the Christ. We cannot deny that there is a difference between us, but our common ground in greater and deeper because in the end, we all believe in the same Lord!
When I was parish priest, I used to visit different Christian denominations in the area and then organise ecumenical prayer meetings and pulpit exchanges with interested groups. The Anglican community was always the first to show their interest and actively participate. The ecumenical gathering at the Holy Spirit Seminary was organised by the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, of which I am a member.
In the future there will be more ecumenical activities. In particular, we hope to promote more cooperation between the young people of the two religions on the issue of ecology and environmental protection.
Some may wonder: “Our parish is already busy enough, how can we find the time and energy for unity activities that seem so far-fetched and ineffective?” This view is not only shortsighted, but simply ignores the will of Jesus: “ that they may all be one” [John 17:21].
Of course, after centuries of division, Christian denominations have developed very different administrative patterns, prayer practices, worship styles, etc. It would be unrealistic and unnecessary to hope that ecumenical activities will lead to a standardised or one single principle for various aspects. In fact, it is more important for us to communicate more, put aside our prejudices, understand each other and seek common ground while reserving differences.
In today’s world, different camps are in conflict and confrontation with each other, and people are alienated and divided from each other. Imagine if groups of Christians who have been divided for centuries could come together, if those who once accused each other of being traitors could become partners in prayer and work together, what a powerful testimony it will be for the world! A testimony to what? That the love of God is always greater than our sins, that the unity based on the Holy Trinity is always greater than the division of humankind due to sin!
I would like to share with all my brothers and sisters what Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, sj, told the ecumencial gathering at the Holy Spirit Seminary: “Let us look at each other’s strengths and complement each other, and let us be humble and be aware of our weaknesses.”
When there is humility, there is room to be close to one another, and only when we are close can we recognise that a person is really my brother or sister!
