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Dr. Lee commented: “This organisation was not interested in conversion or evangelism; it became a study centre, trying to relate Chinese religious background to the work and service of the church. It was not just bookish learning. It also provided a meeting place for people and ideas through seminars and other activities. And through it all the spirit of Reichelt carried on, although there was no direct organisational link.”
Now the study centre has in turn given way to the Tao Fong Shan Ecumenical Centre, a further indication of the centre's ability to relate to changing times and needs.
It is supported financially by various bodies and is optimistic that it can in time become self-supporting.
There is one aspect of life at Tao Fong Shan that has, however, remained unchanged - its porcelain workshop. In the past this was used by wandering monks stranded without money, who found that they could work in the shop to earn the means to continue their pilgrim lives. The shop is still operating today, sometimes employing handicapped people, encouraging them to become self-supporting in much the same way as it helped those wandering monks. Some of the artists, who paint the porcelain with exquisite Chinese patterns for sale to tourists and other countries, have worked in the shop since the time Karl Ludvig Reichelt was there.
The teachings and leaderships of this Norwegian visionary continue at this peaceful spot overlooking the new town of Shatin. As they continue, they will also adapt with time.
Said Dr. Lee: "We cannot see ourselves drifting with tradition. We must also concentrate on contemporary questions, internationally and locally here in Hong Kong.”
NOTES
On Reichelt's life, see S. Holth Karl Ludvig Reichelt and Tao Fong Shan, Tao Fong Shan Christian Institute, Shatin.
2 Personal comment to the author from Dr. Lee.
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Dr. Lee commented: “This organisation was not interested in conversion or evangelism; it became a study centre, trying to re- late Chinese religious background to the work and service of the church. It was not just bookish learning. It also provided a meet- ing place for people and ideas through seminars and other activi- ties. And through it all the spirit of Reichelt carried on, although there was no direct organisational link.”
Now the study centre has in turn given way to the Tao Fong Shan Ecumenical Centre, a further indication of the centre's abili- ty to relate to changing times and needs.
It is supported financially by various bodies and is optimistic that it can in time become self supporting.
There is one aspect of life at Tao Fong Shan that has, however, remained unchanged its porcelain workshop. In the past this was used by wandering monks stranded without money, who found that they could work in the shop to earn the means to continue their pilgrim lives. The shop is still operating today, sometimes employing handicapped people, encouraging them to become self supporting in much the same way as it helped those wandering monks. Some of the artists, who paint the porcelain with exquisite Chinese patterns for sale to tourists and other coun- tries, have worked in the shop since the time Karl Ludvig Reichelt was there.
The teachings and leaderships of this Norwegian visionary con- tinue at this peaceful spot overlooking the new town of Shatin. As they continue, they will also adapt with time.
Said Dr. Lee: "We cannot see ourselves drifting with tradition. We must also concentrate on contemporary questions, interna- tionally and locally here in Hong Kong.”
NOTES
On Reichelt's life, see S. Holth Karl Ludvig Reichelt and Tao Fong Shan, Tao Fong Shan Christian Institute, Shatin.
2 Personal comment to the author from Dr. Lee.
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