Soon after Hong Kong experienced the historical changeover of sovereignty in 1997, the Asian financial crisis broke out and Hong Kong underwent an economic recession. Though the economy is recovering, the gap between wealthy and poor is getting worse. Many people are suffering from a freeze or cut in wage, lay off and unemployment. The living standard of many people has generally deteriorated. In the face of these adverse economic changes, certain groups of people are being treated as scapegoats. They are usually the powerless, such as the new arrivals, migrant workers, recipients of welfare, low-income labour and so on. They are being neglected, discriminated against and exploited. In view of this, not only has the Government refused to take care of their needs seriously and try to soften the atmosphere of resistance and intolerance, but it has further cut the welfare expenses and seems to reinforce discrimination through its policies.

In face of the unjust social structure and the general culture of lack of concern and acceptance towards the underprivileged, the Church, as the sign of the Kingdom of God on earth, and also the conscience of society and yeast to generate charity and justice, has the responsibility to bear witness of loving others through proclamation and action. She has the mission of showing preferential option to the poor and upholding human dignity. The Church should stand up for the poor and provide services and pastoral care, to empower the weak and the poor and assist them to integrate into society. Moreover, the Church should arouse social awareness of the faithful through various kinds of formation. Furthermore, to pinpoint the root of social problems, the Church also has to transform unjust policy and structure through advocacy.

Based on these principles, the Social Concern group has chosen to investigate the problems of the deprived and the poor, especially the marginalised and special needs groups, migrant workers, new arrivals and grassroots labour. Meanwhile, the group also shows concern for the care of the environment and other life concerns. Nowadays, many people use natural resources carelessly, to the detriment of the environment and community. Due to the ageing population, more health care service should be provided to the elderly through community support. Due to the change of sovereignty in 1997, with the subsequent decline in democratic system, the Church should fulfil its civic responsibility by participating in the promotion and monitoring of the democratic system.

During the first call of the Diocesan Synod, the term ‘Servant and Prophetic Roles’ was added to the Social Concern group. However, most members considered that these two roles cannot be separated. After six months of discussion and reflection, as well as considering the comments from the first consultation, it is unanimously resolved to delete the term ‘Servant and Prophetic Roles’. Our group thinks that ‘Servant, Prophet’ is not the same as social concern. Every Christian has the roles of prophetic, servant and priest; it is not appropriate to take out two of them for the social concern.

Despite the fact that the Church persistently reveals Christian values in every aspect, there is still negligence and mistakes. Inspired by the public apology of Pope John Paul II, the Social Concern group also calls for the Diocese in Hong Kong to give a public apology for all the negligence and mistakes, to show the humbleness of the Church and the willingness to be reconciled and cooperate with the society.

In the past, the Diocesan Curia, church organisations and individual believers tried to express their social concern in different ways. However, the social consciousness of the Church on the whole is not conspicuous, and the understanding of believers towards the social mission of the Church is not comprehensive enough. Thus, there is a need to set a long-term plan and to co-ordinate various church institutions, in order to actualise the social mission of the Church systematically and strategically.

1. REFLECTION ON CONCRETE SITUATION

1.1 Reflection on Faith

In reflecting on the three years of public life of Jesus, we draw from his teachings and revelation that he is often among the poor, the sick, and the marginalised1. Therefore, we as his followers, should walk in the footsteps of his mission to be present with those who suffer, serve, heal, and save, and to continue his redemptive works to establish his earthly kingdom.

The Social Concern group, in expressing its concern to carry out the Christian mission, reflected on the misery, distress and sufferings of those who have less, the powerless, those being socially discriminated against. It expresses the desire to improve the life situation of these people and aspire to a society which is more humane and more just. Reflection on the early Church writings increases our understanding of the gaps between the rich and the poor. In the social teachings of the Church, we are invited to examine the signs of the times, the dignity and rights of workers, the relations of workers' union and employers, and the workers' solidarity and societal order.

In the pursuit of freedom and truth, the Church is the defender of the human person and promotes the advancement of individuals through education and formation of true ideals as well as the creation of democratic structures of participation and shared responsibility.

In reflecting on our redemptive mission "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly", we see that this life involves all aspects and stages of human life in order to achieve full significance till eternity. Therefore, every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt in the Church's very heart. The Church adopts a role in the defence of life issues and protector of the environment by restoring a sense of reverence for the whole of creation. Sin makes people accomplices of one another and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice to reign among us. Sin gives rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to divine goodness. Structural sin or social sin leads victims to do evil.

It is our moral duty to care for the environment, not only for our own good but also for the good of future generations. It is worth remembering that in calling on Christians to work and sacrifice themselves in the service of human development the Synod Fathers were drawing upon some of the core insights of biblical and ecclesial tradition.

1.2 Present Situation

1. The Deprived

1. Poverty

The gap between the wealthy and the poor is getting greater. In 1999, the medium income was approximately $9,000. The number of the lowest income families earning $3,000 per month was 200,000, while another 200,000 belonged to the higher income group of $70,000. The gap between these two groups is 23 times, while in 1996, it was only 13 times. Between 1997 and 1999, those earning $3,000 per month reached 100,000, an increase of 75%, while the group with $30,000 income increased by 15%, totalling 300,000. In the last decade, the low-income workers total 67 % of the workforce, increasing from 210,000 to 360,000.

There is some disagreement on the issue of setting a poverty line. Some LegCo and District Board members proposed to set a poverty line (e.g. the poverty line = CSSA amount) so that those belonging to this group could be identified to receive assistance. Measures like CSSA or retraining can then be taken to help them. However, the Government did not accept this possibility with the rationale that the present social security system can already adapt to various needs at various levels.

In Hong Kong, the Church has not openly taken a stand on the poverty issue / line, but in the reflection of St. Chrysostom and St. Ambrose, there is a clear demand that the community's resources invite us to have the common stewardship to be shared among the rich and the poor.

Who are the poor?

From various surveys, "the poor" are regarded as those who have no specific skill, no stable job and income, no pension, low education and poor health. The poor desire equal opportunity, no stigmatisation or discrimination because of age, sex, occupation or family status.

There are around 900,000 people in poverty. This includes:

those on social assistance scheme, (130,000 elderly and 120,000 handicapped);

single parent women with young children (30,000);

the new arrival families (about 300,000); and the working poor (300,000) - those who earn below $3,000 per month.

2. Disadvantaged and Special Needs Groups

Disadvantaged refers to the disabled, street sleepers, drug addicts, discharged prisoners, sex workers, elderly living alone, mentally ill and mentally handicapped. They lack the opportunity and assistance to participate and integrate into society. Thus, they have difficulties in looking for jobs, and are discriminated against, or treated as a group in need of sympathy.

3. Migrant Workers

Migrant workers in Hong Kong face many kinds of problems and difficulties such as: contract violations, forced labour, loss of human dignity, underpayment, lack of privacy and human treatment, family related problems, lack of faith formation. In this land of fortune, many of them find themselves less fortunate for they are friendless, culturally estranged, linguistically disadvantaged and economically vulnerable.

4. New Arrivals

1. Social

1. Labour

Under the situation of economic recession, everything must be cost-effective, therefore, in the workplace the team atmosphere, friendliness, spirit of mutual support have all vanished. Those unemployed or having difficulty finding jobs are being discriminated against, which results in a loss of dignity, and suffering of high stress. Consequently, the difference between rich and poor is getting wider.

2. Caring for the Environment

Hong Kong has been seriously polluted in recent decades, but the public generally lacks the awareness of caring for the environment. Both the Government and business sectors do not want to spend money and resources on improving the environment. Equitable distribution of environmental resources deserves attention, e.g. air-cleaning efforts seem to focus on Central and Causeway Bay. The right to information must be safeguarded as the government is the main source of environmental information while business sectors rarely disclose related information, such as genetically engineered food labelling.

3. Life Concerns

Due to the ageing population, the proportion of elderly persons in need of health care services is increasing, which leads to an increase in the resources needed. Health care is changing from hospitals to community support. Those who have recovered from mental illnesses usually have to face discrimination and non-acceptance by society etc. HIV/AIDS is not just a health issue. It influences a whole range of social, legal, economic, gender, cultural and ethical issues. It is above all a human condition and therefore of concern to the Church and a subject for theological reflection and pastoral and justice-oriented action. It is hoped that a more widespread compassionate and non-judgmental Church response to those living with HIV/AIDS can be achieved. During last year, Diocesan Pastoral Care Services has served a total of about 25,600 beds in public hospitals and more than 65,000 patients/relatives/hospital staff through dedicated efforts of pastoral care workers and volunteers. Hospital Pastoral Care Units have also co-operated with Parishes to provide support for patients.

4. Civic participation (Christians’ Participation)

3. CONCRETE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Short Term:

1. The new MPF system has been implemented so that there will be a Provident Fund for all retired workers. Catholics employers are urged never to avoid giving workers its PF contribution by offering a contract of less than 60 days.
2. Parish - Establish a confidential list of the poor in the neighbourhood, and match services for their needs.
3. Diocese - create job opportunity schemes for the poor, so that they are exposed to work experience and do not need to rely on CSSA long term. (Suggest Caritas to form co-operatives to alleviate their dependency from the burden of high cost of living, such as flower, food, hair cutting, supply casual domestic workers after training)

1. Medium / Long Term

1. Individuals - welcome poor families as friends and give support, expose oneself to poor people in solidarity with Christ. This can be carried out through our neighbourhoods or at parish level.
2. Diocese to set up a watchdog group to follow in depth the poverty issue, to reduce poverty, produce materials to conscientize Church members, and hopefully to speak out on the issue through collective action.
3. The Diocese to set up skills training to eradicate economic poverty.
4. Caritas and Religious Orders - to upgrade their education and teach them a means of livelihood.
5. Parish feast should be kept simple and money given to the poor in response to simplicity of life.
6. Introduce a "family wage" in Catholic Institutions. Catholic employers to be encouraged to share their wealth with low income employees by provision of staff medical benefits, or housing scheme/allowance, or children education allowance, or widow allowance.

1. Disadvantaged and Special Needs Groups

1. Formation

That formation of the clergy, Sisters and catechists include an introduction to and exposure to the situation and needs of the disadvantaged and those with special needs in society, e.g. care for the deprived, sign language training for the deaf, etc. in order to evangelise and assist their spiritual life.

2. Parish – Support

1. That parishes set up a network and list to understand and respond to those in need in their area (e.g. people with disabilities, street sleepers, sex workers and the elderly living alone) – their backgrounds and needs in order to offer service and resources when required.
2. Parishes to encourage and accept the deprived as parish members, so that they can participate and serve the church. The church should bring an important message to the disadvantaged, i.e. that they have to take initiative to fight for their own rights.
3. Parishes initiate the forming of small faith communities to encourage and facilitate the development of self-confidence and acceptance of people with mental disabilities. This will facilitate their being welcomed and becoming part of the parish as a whole.
4. That parishes take the initiative to understand and debate unfair and discriminatory policies, voice their opinion to the government and work towards changing public attitudes.

1. People with disabilities

1. Improve the access and related facilities in Church, Service Building, Retreat House, Pastoral Centres and all church organisations. Post sign language interpreter during liturgy.
2. Reserve seats for the disabled so that it is easier for them to adapt and be looked after.
3. If the parish has financial or architectural problems and cannot improve the access, then parish can initiate the formation of special task group for the concern of the disabled, to mobilise volunteers to assist the disabled to participate in church’s activities.
4. Support and encourage the disabled to actively participate in the Church’s life.
5. Reserve seats for the disabled during important church events e.g. mission Sunday, evangelisation events, etc.

1. Mentally Handicapped

1. Create opportunities for the members of the church to get in touch with mentally handicapped children and adults, especially those who are baptised. Caritas and other Catholic organisations that have suitable training centres and related services can provide resources for their gathering.
2. Establish at least one mentally handicapped group at each deanery with, if possible, a spiritual leader who is a priest, brother or sister.
3. These groups could meet at least once or twice every month, so that they can communicate with each other and have sharing, in order to build a relationship with the mentally handicapped.
4. Mobilise and train volunteers who are concerned for the mentally handicapped to be the convenor (need special training) and leader.

1. Sex Workers

There are very few revision classes for the primary school children in the evening. As sex workers work during night, they cannot help teach their children, it is proposed that church and Catholic organisations provide revision classes to assist these single parent families.

2. Single Elderly

Hong Kong has an ageing population. Some of the elderly Catholic cannot be admitted to the homes organised by Catholic organisation and have entered those operated by other religions, which lead to their losing their belief in Christ and converting to other religions. The Church should keep in close contact with these elderly, pay them regular visits and provide pastoral services.

3. Families with difficulties

1. Migrant Workers

1. At the Diocesan Level

1. To advocate for the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention on protection of the rights of all migrants and members of their families.
2. More active participation of the Church in Hong Kong in drafting of policies relating to all migrants regardless of their religious beliefs or nationalities through the Justice and Peace Commission and the Commission on the Filipino Migrants.
3. Involvement in Government sponsored programs/projects related to migrants such as AIDS prevention, environmental campaigns, protection of women, racial discrimination in work etc.
4. To network with national, regional and international forum/groups especially the Asian Migrant Desk.
5. To institute a Migrant Sunday according to the instruction on the Pastoral Care of People who Migrate from the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.
6. Diocesan Centre for Filipinos should be changed into Diocesan Centre for Migrant Workers.
7. The Diocese of Hong Kong should encourage its people who hire domestic helpers to pay the basic wage and to give them a day off.

1. At the Parish Level

1. To conscientizise the local Christian communities (priests, religious, parishioners, schools) to respond to the dehumanisation of migrant workers. Parishes should provide not only liturgical services, physical structures and programs but also opportunities for integrating and growth as a truly Christian community. Parishes should also be aware of their social needs, providing appropriate programs, formation and co-ordination, and initiate activities that will improve communication and mutual understanding between the migrant workers and local people.
2. To establish a Parish Migrant Desk in parishes overflowing with migrants, to attend to migrant social concern and work related problems (para-legal assistance, and advocacy desk in co-ordination with Diocesan Centre for Migrant Workers)
3. To make church and school premises available to migrants for social, personal and spiritual development.
4. To encourage the local parishes to include the migrant workers in their Parish Council.

1. New Arrivals

1. Change in Attitude

Each parish to respond to the World Migrants' Day (in HK, the Diocese has selected the last Sunday of the Year before Advent). This day is set aside for Christians to grow in an attitude of understanding and dialogue; to improve human relationship, reduce inter-cultural gaps and discrimination, increase sensitivity to the needs of others and appreciation of multiplicity of cultures; Christian groups, homes or institutions are to express action in the form of openness of hearts and minds, by sharing hospitality with migrants or foreigners in our enriched society.

　

2. Pledge Support

1. The church to join force to show our hospitality and support to the new arrivals. Each parish or association is invited to pledge to support financially a number of new arrivals families, the amount being decided by the New Arrivals Pastoral Commission.
2. This support aims to reduce poverty among the newly arrived and prevent social threats to our future society, and to bring about greater integration. The diocese to set up or entrust the co-ordination of this work to the Diocesan Working Group of New Arrivals.

1. Set Up Mutual Help Groups

Parish social concern group and other parish groups to set up social support groups, parents' group, women's group, men's group and children's groups. These groups will meet occasionally for mutual support, self-help, to alleviate stress in urban living, to learn to cope with parental responsibilities and daily living, and to enhance their understanding and love of family life, and human relationship, to bring about peace and unity in an integrated society.

2. Set Up Network System

Parish to set up a social network system to render support to those living alone, at risk or in special need, to learn self-help, self-confidence, fulfilment and empowerment, or to make services available to them.

3. To advocate for policy change

1. Labour

1. Formation of workers and employers organisation

1. Workers unite together to form a union to improve their own situation.
2. With an unbiased and objective attitude, parish and deanery are encouraged to organise groups for workers and employers, so that they can have sharing in order to improve relationships. These groups should also organise catechism courses and social teachings of the church.
3. Through sharing, both the employers and workers can understand the problems faced today, so that they may be in a better position to understand the workers’ dignity and rights, the value of their work and their mission.

1. Support

1. Pay more attention and analyse the changes in the work situation, provide faith reflection and speak out for these groups through letters to the media and the public.
2. Through letters to the media and the public, share common views with employers and workers’ organisations. To fulfil this role, organise social research centres to gather those who believe in the ‘option for the poor’ and to conduct a comprehensive survey on labour-related policy, present living and working conditions of the workforce, and comment through the media.
3. Workers and employers’ organisations urge the Government to evaluate the policy of industry and employment, including revision of vocational training, propose changes to labour or social protection laws in order to protect the long term benefits of the employers and workers - on the basis that every one has the opportunity to work.
4. Convey the message of enhancing workers’ rights through conducting various formation programmes, forum, publish magazines and other multi-media.
5. To show support, the Church should appoint suitable full time or part time priests to assist the workers’ organisations.

1. Recommendations

1. Workers’ rights and the social teaching of the Church should be included in catechumenate classes.
2. During the year, experts should preach regular sermons in churches, following a schedule based on the contents of the Social Encyclicals and the Church in the Modern World.
3. All priests and religious should take the initiative to contact workers and understand the problems faced today, so that they may be in a better position to encourage them to understand their dignity, the value of their work and their mission as workers.
4. Caritas to open centres for mutual support of workers’ families: e.g. childcare, mutual life/training, women, consultation.
5. Monitor the legislation and implementation closely to forbid the employment of illegal part-time migrant workers, which is unjust and directly affecting the local workers. A group of qualified and concerned people should determine and publicise a standard family living wage for Hong Kong. Employers/employees could take this as a guide for their own wage policies.
6. The Diocese of Hong Kong should organise as soon as possible a Social Justice Year/month. During the year, experts should preach regular sermons in churches, following a schedule based on the contents of the Social Encyclicals and the Church in the Modern World.

1. Caring for the Environment

1. Internal

1. Christians have to respect and restore the integrity of the earth’s ecological systems, and to learn the biological diversity of creatures and ecology. Encourage education of environmental ethics and the concept that abuse of creation is a sin - to be included in Sunday schools, catechism and religious education curriculum.
2. Ecological spirituality: clerics and spiritual guides remind the Catholics to respect the earth and creation through homilies and retreats. Liturgy can also include the praise of nature, through traditional Chinese celebrations like the beauty of the moon at mid-Autumn Festival. The diocesan audio-visual centre to produce programmes to raise consciousness of the environment.
3. Parishes are encouraged to hold a Sunday liturgy on environment on or around June 5 – the World Environment Day. Special Liturgy, tree plantings and gardening are suggested.
4. Simple life: Christians should lead a simple life. The Church is advised to organise more vegetarian spiritual programmes, and to avoid wasting food and resources. Parish celebrations to be kept simple.

1. External

1. Church schools and organisations should urge meal providers not to use Styrofoam and non-recyclable utensils, and to provide healthy food. Diocese may adopt a policy of using recycled paper for all departments. It is encouraged to run an organic garden for parishioners to experience green life.
2. The Church ought to have a spokesperson to give opinions on environmental matters.
3. Monitoring Politicians: Catholics should consider candidates’ platform and attitude on environment issues, and urge District Board members and Legislators to promote and monitor the environmental situations in the district.
4. Demand that the Government implement a policy of recycling materials such as paper and bottles.
5. Labelling waste. Urge the government and business sector to release related information concerning the pollution emitted from factories in China, which were relocated from Hong Kong during the 1980s. Defend people’s environmental right and monitor the equal distribution of resources in improving the environment, especially in low-income areas.
6. Church organisations should call for peace and an end to violence, so as to prevent wars that will destroy nature.

1. Life Concerns

1. Long Term

1. A statutory body of the Diocese comprised of lay representatives of various Catholic medical and healthcare professional organisations should be formed. Appointed members of the body could have direct and timely discussion/communication with official clergyman of the diocese and should be delegated to make timely and appropriate responses on healthcare issues, especially medical/ethical issues.
2. The Diocese should respond to specific issues, for instance, healthcare financing issues. Since the Diocese has influence on Government policies, these will have an impact on the Hospital Authority hospitals.
3. The Diocese should make official statements on issues like euthanasia, abortion. There should be an official spokesperson from the Diocese on healthcare issues.
4. Education relating to medical ethics on life/death issues should be promoted. An Ethical Committee can be set up to establish policies/guidelines for healthcare workers to handle difficult situations, making front-line staff more accountable for their actions.
5. We should revive the role of Catholic priest and pastoral workers, review the objectives of the Diocese in establishing Catholic Hospitals and enhance religious atmosphere in Catholic Hospitals.
6. Setting up of Hong Kong Catholic Hospitals Association should be considered. The Diocese should give more support to Catholic Hospitals and recognise their united force.
7. In Catholic Hospitals, there should be briefing/orientation sessions on topics like abortion, euthanasia to train the carers. More time & resources should be designated for education in attitudes, values and philosophy. Catholic Staff Association can be set up at individual hospitals to re-cultivate Catholic spirit and enhance linkage amongst Catholic staff.
8. More support from laypersons to take up some duties of the priests to release them for religious activities should be considered.
9. All of the above to be implemented by the Diocese through setting up a mechanism in the long term.

1. Increasing demand from elderly patients requiring health care services

1. As healthcare services provided by the Government for elderly are not sufficient, the Diocese could set up a special task force to investigate the issue and make/implement recommendations, e.g. to consider setting up of elderly homes/services.
2. As the number of elderly homes are increasing, each Parish can increase visits to elderly homes and provide support/care to needy singleton and sick elderly in the vicinity.
3. To nurture, from childhood, among Catholics in Parishes attitudes of care and concern for elderly
4. To be implemented by the Diocese/Social Concern Groups of Parishes in the long term, with support from Caritas.

1. Hospice

1. To consider setting up Hospice Care Units at Catholic Private Hospitals.
2. To be implemented by the Diocese.

1. Community Care

1. The Diocese/Parishes can cooperate with Caritas or other organisations to provide healthy check-up services. However, the promotion of healthy life-styles is more important. Assistance from the Catholic Doctors/Nurses Guild could also be solicited.
2. The Diocese/Parishes can help in the promotion of awareness among Catholics and the general public about patients' rights and responsibilities as stipulated in the Patients' Charter so as to enhance their sense of partnership in their own health.
3. Parishes can actively promote and encourage care & concern for needy patients, especially chronic patients.
4. To be implemented by the Diocese/Parishes, in association with the Catholic Doctors/Nurses Guild & other organisations in the long term.

1. Mental Health

1. Since there are quite a number of needy in various Parishes, the Diocese/Parishes should organise teams to actively provide service. Assistance from the indirect approach of Religion, instead of from professionals, will be more easily acceptable for those with mental problems. Parishes can help those who have recovered from mental illnesses to build up confidence/spirit based on Gospel values and integrate into the community.
2. To be implemented by a special team within Social Concern Groups, with special assistance from Caritas, in the long term.

1. Commercial Ethics

1. Parishes can promote education/awareness among Catholics about food health. The Diocese can also influence the Government for better monitoring measures.
2. To be implemented by Parishes/Diocese in the long term.

1. The Marginalized (AIDS)

1. Thorough research of local services to refer HIV/AIDS affected persons for volunteer chore assistance, case management Counselling, support groups, housing and food assistance.
2. Recruitment of volunteers from the parishes for AIDS service agencies. Education for all parish constituencies about the experience of AIDS that people have, issues around preventing transmission of the virus and importance of acceptance for HIV/AIDS affected persons to avoid unnecessary discrimination. Sex education should be started as from primary education.
3. The mission and role of Catholic private hospitals should be reviewed in relation to services for the marginalized, e.g. HIV/AIDS affected persons should be accepted by Catholic hospitals for services.
4. To be implemented by the Diocese/Parishes in the long term.

1. Pastoral Care

1. The approach of the Diocesan Pastoral Care Services in servicing all hospitals needs further thinking. Credibility of pastoral care services may be built up through focusing on a few hospitals.
2. Resources and manpower allocated to pastoral care services should be increased; development of volunteers’ services should be enhanced.
3. The Diocese is to raise the standard, upgrade professional status and personal emoluments of pastoral care workers so that they can be well accepted by other healthcare professionals to join the team for holistic care.
4. A Sunday can be designated as "Pastoral Care Day" and promotion at Parishes can publicise the work of Diocesan pastoral care services amongst Catholics and the general public.

1. To be implemented by the Diocese/Parishes in the long term.

1. Civic Participation (Christian’s participation)

1. Internal

1. Transparency, openness and participation should characterise all levels of the Church, including diocesan, parish, school, community centres and so on.
2. Parish Council. The parish should aim at full participation in the election of the parish council. In the everyday running of the Council the parish should aim at co-responsibility and collective leadership, so as to build a participatory Church. The parish finance committee should make detailed and regular reports to the parish council and publicise these reports to the parishioners through the newsletter or notice board.
3. The Church should at all levels explain its prophetic role and social mission, that is, to proclaim what is right and to condemn evil and injustice.
4. Effective formation on social concern should not merely be academic, but should also be accompanied by a guided exposure to the realities of our city. Children Sunday school, catechetical class, continuing formation for laity, small faith communities, courses of seminary college should integrate social concern activities into the program.
5. The related church institutions should provide support to the parish social concern groups.

1. Retreats and days of recollection for politicians and officials who are Christians could be promoted. This is to deepen their religious faith and strengthen their commitment to the common good of our city.
2. To encourage the Church institutions, including diocesan commissions, offices and Caritas to strengthen co-operation and co-ordination in the areas of social formation and advocacy.
3. Parish social concern groups should strengthen their co-operation and co-ordination. Together with diocesan social concern institutions, they are encouraged to hold regular meetings to exchange experiences, discuss joint projects and discuss strategies to respond to concrete social issues.

1. External

1. On the Diocesan level, the Church leaders should speak up on social justice or influential social events when appropriate, acting as a social conscience and moral force, which can provide guidance to the laity.
2. The Church organisations should further strengthen the co-operation with other religious and non-religious groups.
3. Love and concern to the Motherland should be promoted through organising exposure trip to Mainland China, seminars and sharing meetings, research on specific topics. Through direct contact with people and social analysis and discussion, a deeper understanding of Mainland China, Taiwan and the cross-strait relationship are fostered.
4. To encourage Catholics to inculcate in Christian values when participating in, making decisions and commenting on political affairs.

1. To encourage Catholics and Church organisations to express opinions related to justice according to the Church's social teachings and employ different strategies to affect public opinions and social policies.
2. To encourage co-operation among schools, parish youth groups and diocesan social concern institutions. For example, value education, especially core values which are being cherished by the Church, and civic education have to be strengthen in school religious and ethic lessons and youth formation.
3. Since the Church values the democratic system, the Church or this Diocesan Synod should take appropriate measures publicly to express the wish of electing the Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage because the people of Hong Kong are now sufficiently mature for such a development.

To conclude then, it is true to say that in the past, the Diocesan Curia, Church organisations and individual believers tried to express their social concern in different ways. However, social consciousness of the Church on the whole was not conspicuous and the understanding of believers towards the social mission of the Church was not comprehensive enough. The whole area of structural change needs to be addressed. This can only come about through attitudinal change, a change of heart evoked through sensitivity and exposure to the needs of the poor. To achieve this, there is a need for conscience formation on all levels in the Church. In practical terms this calls for a long-term plan and the co-ordinating of various Church institutions, so as to actualise the social mission of the Church systemically and strategically.

Appendices