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RELIGION
provide a forum for joint action and discussion on matters of local importance.
The Protestant Churches come together on a denominational basis in the Hong Kong Christian Council with missionary societies and Christian organizations such as the YMCA and YWCA. The Hong Kong Christian Council is linked to the World Council of Churches and thus keeps its members in touch with the thought and development of oecumenical Christianity, as well as with the welfare activities of the world church through Inter-Church Aid. The Hong Kong Christian Council also sponsors many inter-church committees on such subjects as Christian citizenship, education, family life, industry and church planning.
The largest body connected with the Hong Kong Christian Council is the Christian Welfare and Relief Council, which co- ordinates the work of 26 Protestant churches and relief agencies operating in the Colony and sponsors world-wide appeals for funds through the World Council of Churches. As well as being a clearing house for money from overseas the Council also operates three rehabilitation projects on behalf of its member churches. These consist of a settlement for Swatow immigrants on Chu Lap Kok island, a scheme for settling cured drug addicts and their families on smallholdings in the New Territories, and vocational training classes giving instruction in electricity, diesel engines, painting and refrigeration to over 400 students. Other welfare work done jointly by the churches includes the Haven of Hope Tuberculosis Sanatorium, a college student work project which supports students through post-secondary colleges in return for regular hours of service, and assistance to families who need putting on their feet in such a way that they can earn their own livelihood. Many churches and missions contribute to this con- tinuing programme of social welfare. The Church World Service, Lutheran World Service, Salvation Army and the Presbyterian Case-Work Centre are the biggest relief agencies, but there are many others. Their activities range from family planning and pre- natal care to the provision of orphanages, creches and free meals for children. They also provide educational assistance, give help in finding jobs, and finance medical and housing projects.
The Roman Catholic Church in the Colony dates from 22nd April 1841, when the Prefecture of Hong Kong was established