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RELIGION AND CUSTOM
The second co-operative body is the Hong Kong Christian Council, formed in 1954. The council bases its membership on the major denominations and the ecumenical services bodies. The Christian Council is committed to building closer relationships among all churches in Hong Kong as well as with churches overseas. Its programme is carried out through the Division of Mission and the Division of Service, which operate as the Hong Kong Christian Service. Related service agencies include the United Christian Medical Service, the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, the Christian Industrial Committee, Christian Family Service Centre and the Tao Fung Shan Ecumenical Centre.
The council sponsors the 'Alternative Tours' on Wednesdays, designed to give visitors to Hong Kong an opportunity to see specific ways in which Christians serve the people. "The Mission of the Church in Hong Kong – A Mid-Decade Consultation' was held by the council in January although originally planned for the previous month. Out of this grew an ongoing effort to promote civic education and political participation in Hong Kong for the betterment of the community.
Muslim Community
There are about 50 000 Muslims in Hong Kong. More than half of them are Chinese with the rest being either locally born non-Chinese or believers from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Middle Eastern and African countries. Three principal mosques are used daily for prayers. The oldest is the Jamia Mosque in Shelley Street on Hong Kong Island which was built before the turn of the century and rebuilt in 1915. It can accommodate a congregation of 400.
Also on Hong Kong Island is the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre. Opened in 1981, this eight-storey centre in Wan Chai houses a mosque on two floors, a community hall, a library, a medical clinic, classrooms and offices. The mosque, which is managed by the Islamic Union of Hong Kong, can accommodate 700 people but up to 1 500 if necessary, by using other available space in the centre.
Situated on what is sometimes called the 'Golden Mile' in Nathan Road is the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre which was opened in May 1984. This imposing building, with white marble finishing is a new landmark in Tsim Sha Tsui. The mosque can accommodate a congregation of about 2 000 and has in addition to the three prayer halls, a community hall, a medical clinic and a library.
There are two Muslim cemeteries, both on Hong Kong Island - one at Happy Valley and the other at Cape Collinson, Chai Wan. The cemetery at Cape Collinson also has a mosque. The co-ordinating body for all Islamic religious affairs is the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. A board of trustees comprising representatives of four Muslim organisations, namely the Islamic Union of Hong Kong, the Pakistan Association, the Indian Muslim Association and the Dawoodi Bohra Association is responsible for the management and maintenance of mosques and cemeteries. The trustees are also responsible for organising the celebration of Muslim festivals and other religious events. Charitable work among the Muslim community, including financial aid for the needy, medical facilities and assisted education, is conducted through various local Muslim organisations.
Hindu Community
The religious and social activities of the 12 000 members of Hong Kong's Hindu community are centred on the Hindu Temple in Happy Valley. The Hindu Association of Hong Kong is responsible for the upkeep of the temple, which is also used for