Anglican Consultative Council’s 17th meeting underway in Hong Kong

April 30, 2019

A cathedral Eucharist service marked the opening of the 17th Anglican Consultative Council meeting of delegates from 40 provinces and 160 countries in the Province of Hong Kong and Macau. 

Anglican Consultative Council’s 17th meeting gets underway with cathedral Eucharist service
[ACNS Posted on: April 29, 2019]

The opening Eucharist of the 17th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-17) included what one observer described as “a fascinating mixture of sounds”. Among them was the opening hymn accompanied by organ and brass instruments, the solemn silence of prayer for the victims of the bombings in Sri Lanka and the resonating crashing sound of a Chinese gong.

The celebrant of the liturgy was Archbishop Paul Kwong, the Chair of ACC-17 as well as the host primate of the province of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. The preacher was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The celebration took place at St John’s Cathedral in Hong Kong, which is marking its 170th anniversary during 2019. The congregation included the ACC-17 delegates, staff and ecumenical guest from around the Anglican Communion, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, laity clergy, and bishops and of the province.

In his sermon, Archbishop Justin – citing the biblical readings of the day (Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31) referenced the Resurrection and the courage of Peter and the disciples. He acknowledged the difficulty faced by some of the delegates.

“Many here, like Peter, have had your faith tested under difficult circumstances, some of you under circumstances nearly impossible”, he said. “Thank you for standing firm in your faith. Not only are you standing firm in your faith, you are also sharing your faith like Peter who took advantage of the situation of being challenged to share”

>> For the full article and images, go to https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2019/04/anglican-consultative-councils-17th-meeting-gets-underway-with-cathedral-eucharist-service.aspx

 

[Photo: Archbishop Paul Kwong presides at a Eucharist service held to mark the official opening of ACC-17 in St John’s Cathedral, Hong Kong ©ACNS]