The Church and Society
As a Christian community of faith, the Vine Church believes in the important role the local church plays in caring for and serving the people of its society. This includes people from all sectors of that society, both in authority and those under their care. We believe the Bible is clear that Christians should stand for and on behalf of the most vulnerable, hurting, marginalised, and distressed, joining with the Holy Spirit in seeking justice where it is needed. The Christian faith affirms that all human beings are created equal by God, in his image, and with dignity and honour for the flourishing of relationship with God, themselves, one another, and creation. This compels us to pursue justice, truth, and freedom in society, as well as the proclamation of the gospel to all. We believe that while the church is not a political entity, it should be able to speak into political issues when these issues impact the wider society it serves.
The Government and Authority
Christians believe that governments and political leaders have accountability not only to the people governed but also to God whose heart is for peace, stability and justice. Christian scriptures call us to honour those in authority while also challenging them to be accountable to God and to the people under their care.
The National Security Law
The introduction and operation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong has raised many concerns amongst the public, due to the process by which it was introduced, and the subsequent uncertainties surrounding the law’s interpretation. Of these issues, we note the following:
• While providing for national security in Hong Kong is a legitimate concern for the Central Authorities, the National Security Law has been imposed without due consultation with the people of Hong Kong. We express our disappointment with how the lack of this due process has shown a clear sign to the population about the scope, nature and intentions concerning the exercise of China’s jurisdiction within Hong Kong, and how this has called into question the ‘One Country Two Systems’ framework of autonomy our city should enjoy.
• While both the National Security Law and the Basic law provide for a wide range of freedoms to be maintained in Hong Kong there is concern among many that the imprecise language and lack of clear definition of what will constitute a breach of the law will lead to a curtailment of those freedoms (freedom of speech; freedom of assembly; religious freedom etc.) in the interests of national security or the central government’s social and political agenda for Hong Kong. This lack of clear definition also leaves the people of our city anxious as to what constitutes a violation of the law itself.
• While the scope of the National Security Law has no retro-active effect many are concerned that its provisions are being used to ensnare and punish those who protested prior to the passing of the law instead of providing a framework for preventing future security breaches.
• While the National Security Law is intended to operate within the legal framework of Hong Kong’s common law system and maintain the judicial independence of the courts in Hong Kong, questions are being raised about the intimidating effect it might have on the operation of the law as a whole.
Under these circumstances and recognizing the change in political climate indicated by the government in introducing this law, we believe that it is incumbent upon the Hong Kong and Central Authorities to recognize the legitimate concerns of the Hong Kong people and,
1. As soon as possible take practical measures to reassure the Hong Kong people of its
commitment to safeguarding Hong Kong’s cherished freedom under the rule of law by
establishing an independent review body to monitor and report on the impact of the
National Security Law on those freedoms; and,
2. Provide for transparent review procedures to be put in place to regularly assess the impact
of the National Security Law on society and on the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong
established under the Basic Law.
We choose to believe that the Hong Kong government and Central Authorities want a united and flourishing Hong Kong society. To this end, we call for true reconciliation and restoration for Hong Kong people to occur, which can only take place through an active engagement by the authorities in open, honest and purposeful two-way dialogue with its citizens designed to seek understanding and change.
Our Commitment
The Vine Church is committed to being a community of Christian believers whose interests are invested in the sustainable, long term future of Hong Kong in the following ways:
• To the Hong Kong Government and the Central Authorities we are committed to honouring its role as leaders under God’s authority; to pray for its wisdom, peace, guidance and stability; and, to bring to its account in love, actions which dishonour and harm the wellbeing and flourishing of its people.
• To the people of Hong Kong we are committed to seeking ways to serve the needs of all in society; to building up and encouraging all to work for the common good of one another and the city; to creating a place of healing, restoration and justice for many in need; and becoming a voice of justice for the most vulnerable, the marginalized and the hurting.
• To our own community of faith we are committed to being a community that is welcoming to all; to creating an environment where our diversity of perspectives and opinions do not divide us but instead, unify us under God’s family; to teach the word of God boldly and without fear; to speak truth in love; to disciple us as followers of Jesus for radical love of neighbour throughout our city; and to equip us to know the heart of God for justice.
• To our God we are committed to serving Him as our sovereign Lord above all earthly rulers and powers; to making Him known through all we do in the city of Hong Kong that we love; and to honour His name through putting His kingdom first.
A Benediction for the City of Hong Kong
May the peace of God enfold us, the love of Christ uphold us, and the wisdom of the Spirit lead us. Amen.
Hello My Dear Great Ones,
The above was written by our church, The Vine, in Hong Kong. I agree with it and I can't express my views about the NSL any better.
To lighten the mood a little Celia and I went on a hike with some friends near Clear Water Bay. It was another reminder why I and many others love HK. Its a great place!
Love adios and ping on!
Dirk
As a Christian community of faith, the Vine Church believes in the important role the local church plays in caring for and serving the people of its society. This includes people from all sectors of that society, both in authority and those under their care. We believe the Bible is clear that Christians should stand for and on behalf of the most vulnerable, hurting, marginalised, and distressed, joining with the Holy Spirit in seeking justice where it is needed. The Christian faith affirms that all human beings are created equal by God, in his image, and with dignity and honour for the flourishing of relationship with God, themselves, one another, and creation. This compels us to pursue justice, truth, and freedom in society, as well as the proclamation of the gospel to all. We believe that while the church is not a political entity, it should be able to speak into political issues when these issues impact the wider society it serves.
The Government and Authority
Christians believe that governments and political leaders have accountability not only to the people governed but also to God whose heart is for peace, stability and justice. Christian scriptures call us to honour those in authority while also challenging them to be accountable to God and to the people under their care.
The National Security Law
The introduction and operation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong has raised many concerns amongst the public, due to the process by which it was introduced, and the subsequent uncertainties surrounding the law’s interpretation. Of these issues, we note the following:
• While providing for national security in Hong Kong is a legitimate concern for the Central Authorities, the National Security Law has been imposed without due consultation with the people of Hong Kong. We express our disappointment with how the lack of this due process has shown a clear sign to the population about the scope, nature and intentions concerning the exercise of China’s jurisdiction within Hong Kong, and how this has called into question the ‘One Country Two Systems’ framework of autonomy our city should enjoy.
• While both the National Security Law and the Basic law provide for a wide range of freedoms to be maintained in Hong Kong there is concern among many that the imprecise language and lack of clear definition of what will constitute a breach of the law will lead to a curtailment of those freedoms (freedom of speech; freedom of assembly; religious freedom etc.) in the interests of national security or the central government’s social and political agenda for Hong Kong. This lack of clear definition also leaves the people of our city anxious as to what constitutes a violation of the law itself.
• While the scope of the National Security Law has no retro-active effect many are concerned that its provisions are being used to ensnare and punish those who protested prior to the passing of the law instead of providing a framework for preventing future security breaches.
• While the National Security Law is intended to operate within the legal framework of Hong Kong’s common law system and maintain the judicial independence of the courts in Hong Kong, questions are being raised about the intimidating effect it might have on the operation of the law as a whole.
Under these circumstances and recognizing the change in political climate indicated by the government in introducing this law, we believe that it is incumbent upon the Hong Kong and Central Authorities to recognize the legitimate concerns of the Hong Kong people and,
1. As soon as possible take practical measures to reassure the Hong Kong people of its
commitment to safeguarding Hong Kong’s cherished freedom under the rule of law by
establishing an independent review body to monitor and report on the impact of the
National Security Law on those freedoms; and,
2. Provide for transparent review procedures to be put in place to regularly assess the impact
of the National Security Law on society and on the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong
established under the Basic Law.
We choose to believe that the Hong Kong government and Central Authorities want a united and flourishing Hong Kong society. To this end, we call for true reconciliation and restoration for Hong Kong people to occur, which can only take place through an active engagement by the authorities in open, honest and purposeful two-way dialogue with its citizens designed to seek understanding and change.
Our Commitment
The Vine Church is committed to being a community of Christian believers whose interests are invested in the sustainable, long term future of Hong Kong in the following ways:
• To the Hong Kong Government and the Central Authorities we are committed to honouring its role as leaders under God’s authority; to pray for its wisdom, peace, guidance and stability; and, to bring to its account in love, actions which dishonour and harm the wellbeing and flourishing of its people.
• To the people of Hong Kong we are committed to seeking ways to serve the needs of all in society; to building up and encouraging all to work for the common good of one another and the city; to creating a place of healing, restoration and justice for many in need; and becoming a voice of justice for the most vulnerable, the marginalized and the hurting.
• To our own community of faith we are committed to being a community that is welcoming to all; to creating an environment where our diversity of perspectives and opinions do not divide us but instead, unify us under God’s family; to teach the word of God boldly and without fear; to speak truth in love; to disciple us as followers of Jesus for radical love of neighbour throughout our city; and to equip us to know the heart of God for justice.
• To our God we are committed to serving Him as our sovereign Lord above all earthly rulers and powers; to making Him known through all we do in the city of Hong Kong that we love; and to honour His name through putting His kingdom first.
A Benediction for the City of Hong Kong
May the peace of God enfold us, the love of Christ uphold us, and the wisdom of the Spirit lead us. Amen.
Hello My Dear Great Ones,
The above was written by our church, The Vine, in Hong Kong. I agree with it and I can't express my views about the NSL any better.
To lighten the mood a little Celia and I went on a hike with some friends near Clear Water Bay. It was another reminder why I and many others love HK. Its a great place!
Love adios and ping on!
Dirk
Have a great week.
Love adios and ping on!
Dirk
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