With the theme "Called to the One Hope" (Ephesians 4:4), the annual Joint Ecumenical Communion Service in celebration of the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was held on Thursday, setting a record attendance of 390 ministers and co-workers from over 32 denominations and organizations.
Annually coordinated by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 19-25) is an annual event organized by the Hong Kong Christian Council (HKCC) and Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical Commission. The joint communion service is held every year to embody the spirit of unity.
This year's event was held at the Truth Lutheran Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong.
The liturgy, compiled from the WCC's "2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" handbook, was prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church. The officiant, Rev. Ip Tsz-leung, Billy, chairperson of the Church Unity and Relations Committee of HKCC and also from Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, emphasized its relevance for the local community: "Throughout a history marked by darkness and suffering, the Armenian Church has steadfastly fixed its gaze on the 'Light from Light.' Their resilient trust in Christ is a precious inspiration for the Church in Hong Kong as we navigate these changing times." This spirit of shared hope was further expressed through hymns of unity, including "Christ Defined Our Brotherhood" and "Let Us Break Bread Together."
The sermon was addressed by Rev. Wong Ka Fai, general secretary of the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China. He urged believers to counter global uncertainty by grounding themselves in God-given unity and living out their faith as a tangible witness.
Rev. Wong began by exploring the concept of true freedom, contrasting modern anxieties with the spiritual liberty of early Christians. He noted that figures like the Apostle Paul, though physically imprisoned, remained spiritually free and dedicated to the unity of the church. This, he explained, demonstrates a hope that transcends personal hardship and focuses on the collective identity of the faith community.
Bringing the message to the present day, Rev. Wong pointed to recent tragedies, such as a devastating local fire in Tai Po. He observed that in the face of such suffering, the most authentic expression of hope is not found in distant discourse but in concrete, local acts of care. He shared how he witnessed "neighbors spontaneously supporting one another," confirming this mutual support of "the truest light in the darkness."
Delving into the Scripture, Rev. Wong emphasized that it is not a human achievement but a divine gift from the Holy Spirit. "Our task," he stated, "is to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit." He explained that this unity is built upon the "seven ones"—one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. This shared foundation, he clarified, transcends all cultural and traditional differences, allowing diverse gifts to build up the body of Christ rather than cause division.
In his concluding call to action, Rev. Wong urged the congregation to see their weekly worship not as an "escape from the world," but as a "recommissioning" into it. He challenged them to view their daily lives and professions as their "altar," where faith is lived out through integrity and love. True hope, he reminded them, is not placed in fallible human systems but is "rooted in the eternal God."
After the sermon, the congregation recited the Nicene Creed together. Then Bishop Yeung Yau-chi, Jackson, then officiated the Holy Communion. The service was brought to a close with the concluding prayer and sending by Rev. Tsang Ho-yin, Kenneth, of the Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Following the service, attendees greeted one another, embodying the spirit of unity and fellowship to which the week is dedicated.
