The Divinity School of Chung Chi College (the School) in Hong Kong is at present the only theological education institution within a Chinese public university. The School was established in 1963 as a joint effort by several denominations.  The local denominations represented in the Theological Council are the Anglican Church, the Church of Christ in China (Hong Kong Council), the Tsung Tsin Mission, the Methodist Church, and Pentecostal Holiness Church.

 

American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS) participated in the Chung Chi College’s educational ministry back in the 1950’s. In 1963, ABFMS further showed its support by joining the Theological Council. In addition, Dr. John W. Olley, ABFMS missionary joined the Theology Division in 1971 and served as the Head of the Division from 1975 to 1977. Due to the restructuring of ABFMS’ mission program in the 80s, its involvement in the Hong Kong was modified.

 

Over a century ago, ABFMS had been one of the first mission organizations to send missionaries to China. Focusing on Hong Kong and the Swatow region of China, ABFMS was very successful in establishing strong churches and Christian ministries. The Swatow Baptist churches and the Fung Tak Community Service are fruits of the mission.       

 

In recent years, ABFMS (also know as the American Baptist International Ministries, ABIM) has strengthened its mission involvement in Mainland China and Hong Kong. As a strategic step of mission direction, American Baptist International Ministries and the School agreed to renew its partner relationship. A ceremony to celebrate the signing of the partnership agreement will be held on 29th October 2009, 2:30pm at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, CUHK. Officiating guests include Rev. Benjamin S.L. CHAN, Area Director for East Asia and India, and Rev. David K.H. Wong, Coordinator of Swatow Ministry of ABIM. Representing the School are Rev. CHAN Hin-cheong, Chairperson of Chung Chi Theological Council and Rev. LO Lung-kwong, Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College.

 

The program will also include a seminar “Christianity and Swatow Community in

China and Hong Kong: Retrospect and Prospect” jointly organized by ABIM, Center

for Christian Studies, CUHK, Christian Study Center on Christianity and Chinese

Religion and Culture. Guest speakers include Mr. HUANG Zhi-ren, President of

Shantou TSPM Committee, Rev. XU Jie-ping, Chairman of Jieyang Christian Council

and Rev. CHEN Xin-shuo, Chairman of Chaozhou Christian Council, Rev. LAM

Chun-hung, Pastor in Charge of Swatow Baptist Church Kowloon City, Prof. LEE

Kam-keung, Department of History, Hong Kong Baptist University.

 

ABIM and the School believe that by the grace of the Lord, this partnership will generate a compelling synergy to enhance the ministries of God’s Kingdom.