How about a tale of faith enduring through time at Sheng Kung Hui St. Barnabas’ Church? This church is part of a larger story. It is connected to the Sheng Kung Hui. This literally means Holy Catholic Church in Chinese.
Sheng Kung Hui has deep roots in Hong Kong. They stretch back almost 170 years. The Anglican Church’s first presence in Hong Kong began in 1843. Revd Vincent Stanton was appointed Colonial Chaplain then. St. John’s Cathedral followed in 1849. St. Paul’s College was established in 1851. It is one of the oldest secondary schools here. The Diocese of Victoria was created in 1849. Rt Revd George Smith became the first bishop. He envisioned ministry for the local Chinese. St. Stephen’s Church was the first Chinese Anglican Church in Hong Kong. It was founded in 1865.
Chinese congregations grew. The Chinese Anglican Church in Hong Kong became part of the Diocese of South China in 1913. It was under the Chung Hua Sheng Kung Hui. This means The Holy Catholic Church of China. It remained under The Diocese of Victoria. Political changes in Mainland China shifted things. The Anglican Church in Hong Kong departed from the Diocese of South China in 1951. The Diocese of Hong Kong and Macao was established. It continued ministry in both regions.
Immigrants came from Mainland China in the 60s to 80s. Hong Kong and Macau saw rapid economic and social changes. The Anglican Church responded to community needs. It focused on mission work, social services, and education. Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council was established in 1966. It offered person-centered social services for all ages. The Church provides quality education. There are over 30 secondary schools. There are 60 primary schools and 30 kindergartens. The Church cultivates students holistically. It supports moral, intellectual, physical, social, aesthetic and spiritual development.
The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui formally became a Province on October 25, 1998. This helped manage challenges and new developments. It also gave a formal institutional grounding. The Most Revd Peter Kwong was elected as the first Archbishop. He was also the Primate of the Province. The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui is independent and self-governing. Yet it upholds the same faith. It is in fellowship with the worldwide Anglican Communion. This shows the spirit of Anglicanism. Though we are many, we are in one body.
Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui includes 3 dioceses today. These are The Diocese of Hong Kong Island, The Diocese of Eastern Kowloon, and The Diocese of Western Kowloon. There is also 1 missionary area which is the Missionary Area of Macau. The Most Revd. Andrew Chan is the Archbishop and Primate. He is also the Bishop of Western Kowloon. The Rt. Revd Timothy Kwok is the Bishop of Eastern Kowloon. The Rt. Revd. Der Tze Wo Matthias Clement is the Bishop of Hong Kong Island.
The Church’s ministry flourishes. It focuses on Evangelism, Pastoral Work, Education, and Social Services. The Love of Jesus is shared in the local community. As the Bible said, “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” So let us reflect on the enduring legacy of Sheng Kung Hui St. Barnabas’ Church. It stands as a beacon of faith, service, and community.