Hong Kong Christians celebrate new cathedral

Hong Kong Anglicans are celebrating their new Cathedral twelve years after the establishment of the Eastern Kolwoon Diocese.

The Eastern Kowloon Diocese of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church) celebrated the consecration and dedication of the Holy Trinity Cathedral on May 30 (Trinity Sunday) - also the 120th anniversary of Holy Trinity Church.

At the service, diocesan Bishop Louis Tsui reminded Christians that the mission of the Church was the “enhancement of the spiritual life of the people, for harmony of our society and for the Kingdom of God”.

The congregation prayed for the community the diocese serves, particularly the unemployed and poor.

Bishop Louis Tsui said that the diocese was committed to evangelisation, education and social services. He said that these three ministries were interrelated and would support each other.

The service was ecumenical in nature, with Anglican bishops coming from the Hong Kong Province, as well as Bishop David Lai of Taiwan and Primate Edward Malecdan of the Philippines. The Lutheran bishop, the President of the Methodist Church and the vicar general of the Catholic Church also attended the ceremony.

Present in Hong Kong since 1843, Anglicans in the territory set up the Hong Kong Province in 1998, with the Dioceses of Hong Kong Island, of Eastern Kowloon and Western Kowloon, as well as the Missionary Area of Macau.

The Eastern Kowloon Diocese comprises 19 parishes, more than 40 schools and over 30 social services units.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the second Anglican Cathedral in Hong Kong, after the St John Cathedral in Central District, Hong Kong Island, which opened for service in 1849. The Western Kowloon Diocese is preparing for a new cathedral.