【時代論壇訊】榮光敬拜事工於昨晚（31日）Facebook專頁發佈了一則《香港基督徒回應國安法聯署聲明》帖文，並歡迎聯署（網址：https://bit.ly/2MhmUSf），內容強調這是一班香港基督教教牧和信徒對「港區國安法」草案制定深表憤慨，會無畏無懼鄭重向社會各界作出的認信和承諾，包括對天國福音的完全擁抱、對教會缺失的真誠悔罪、對威權管治的拒絕屈從，和對香港社會的守望同行。事工發起人王礽福傳道希望藉此聲明凝聚群體，又糾正信徒對福音的理解，知道如何以信仰角度發聲。
王礽福接受本報訪問時，提到榮光敬拜事工發起此聲明的內容上針對性較強，針對中國對香港管治介入的現況，與早前的《香港2020福音宣言》有呼應性。發起聲明的原因，是發現香港教會群體或組織對不公義的情況發聲不足，望以此聲明凝聚人的心；同時讓大家重新思考福音的內涵，幫助弟兄姊妹糾正其對福音的理解，讓他們在基礎上懂得如何以信仰角度去發聲發言，又帶有信心。
他坦言，若我們說信仰是一個全人的信仰，那應該關心所有方面包括政治的部份，不應噤聲。「對社會的關懷，是對公義的表現，因為我們愛護鄰舍。鄰舍被打壓時，你說你愛鄰舍，但你不作聲，這很荒謬。」王礽福提醒，愛上帝也在於你如何愛鄰舍。他表示，聯署後的行動現在還沒有詳細計劃，即使此刻未必看見很多可做的事，希望當信念和人心凝聚後，當中弟兄姊妹有智慧的，或能提供不同的想法、點子，到時一起做。
聲明內容提到，這是由一班香港基督教教牧和信徒發起，他們對中國就港區國安法決定草案的制定深表憤慨，認為徹底破壞中國對港人及國際社會有關「一國兩制、港人治港、高度自治」的承諾。聯署發起人又在聲明中表示，向社會各界作出認信和承諾，包括： 一、對天國福音的完全擁抱：相信耶穌基督的救贖帶來社群關係的更新，也帶來社會制度和文化的提升，「耶穌基督的救贖旨意，就是要讓天國子民成為經歷更新的新人類，把天國的價值觀和愛人如己的生命特質，活現於日常生活中。」二、對教會缺失的真誠悔罪：在主面前為部份明哲保身或對當權者各樣惡行，及受欺壓者的生命及權益被踐踏和剝奪而只置若罔聞的教會悔罪，願主寶血遮蓋我們的污穢並賜悔改的心，立志重新遵主旨，不再獨善其身；並追求公義憐憫，謙卑與主同行。三、對威權管治的拒絕屈從：立志效法基督捨己背十架，效法歷代眾多因堅守信仰而受苦殉道的先賢，「直至我們打完美好的仗，跑完當跑的路，守住所信的道。」四、對香港社會的守望同行：承諾無論環境險惡都堅持教會本份，與所有香港人同行，見證上主確與處身困苦危難中的人同在同行。
「我們堅信，雖然香港正值風雲變色的日子，但滿有公義、慈愛、憐憫的上帝，必引領香港人渡過漫長黑夜，直至黎明來到。歷史必將再次證明，唯有祂擁有至高權柄，廢王立王，興邦喪邦。我們祈盼耶穌基督王者再臨的那日，扭轉乾坤，撥亂反正，不單死亡被摧毀，惡人被懲處，更帶來眼淚被抹乾，離別得重聚，關係得和好，世界得光復，被稱為新天新地的日子。」
截至六月二日下午，逾二千一百人簽署聯署聲明，當中包括教內領袖如郭鴻標、劉少康、邢福增、郭偉聯、馬保羅、趙善榮、王少勇、洪國謙等等。
聯署全文的中英譯本如下：
《香港基督徒回應國安法聯署聲明》
Statement by Hong Kong Christians in Response to National Security Law我們是一班香港基督教教牧和信徒，對於中國政府在2020年5月28日的全國人大會議，通過港區國安法決定草案，欲以規管顛覆政權、分裂國家、恐怖活動，以及勾結外國勢力之名，於香港實施威權管治，進一步剝奪港人的自由和人權，我們深表憤慨。中國政府此舉，徹底破壞其對港人及國際社會有關「一國兩制、港人治港、高度自治」的承諾，摧毀香港作為國際金融中心和自由城市的根基。
值此「黑暗遮蓋大地，幽暗遮蓋萬民」的日子，我們無畏無懼，並鄭重向社會各界作出以下認信和承諾，包括對天國福音的完全擁抱、對教會缺失的真誠悔罪、對威權管治的拒絕屈從、和對香港社會的守望同行。
天國福音
我們堅信，耶穌基督透過其降世、傳道、服侍和犧牲，要向世人傳達的好消息，就是：「日期滿了，上帝的國近了，你們當悔改，信福音﹗」（馬可福音一章十五節）作為上帝兒子、永活真神、天國君王，基督的來臨表明上帝要顯明祂的管治、權柄、榮耀，和祂對世人的憐憫、恩典、救贖。天國君王的管治，並不在於祂對世人的操權管束，而是展現於祂對世人的眷愛和謙卑服侍，甚至祂雖為君王卻甘願為其子民犧牲，死在十字架上，成全救贖，叫所有人能領受寬恕，與上帝和好，重拾個人的尊嚴和自由。所以耶穌基督作為天國君王，祂宣告的施政藍圖，是向貧窮人傳講好消息，宣告被擄的得釋放，患病的得醫治，和受轄制的得自由，並宣告上帝悅納人的禧年。（路加福音四章十八至十九節）
我們堅信，自耶穌基督受死、復活和升天以後，祂差派教會往普天下傳揚天國福音，讓全人類領受救贖和盼望。天國的福音不單關乎個人幸福，更關乎全球福祉；不單帶來個人靈魂的得救，也帶來社群關係的更新；不單帶來個人品格的提升，也帶來社會制度和文化的提升。耶穌基督的救贖旨意，就是要讓天國子民成為經歷更新的新人類，把天國的價值觀和愛人如己的生命特質，活現於日常生活中。
真誠悔罪
我們在上主面前，願意誠懇悔罪。我們承認香港教會自一九九七年主權移交以來，過度關注教內事務發展，少有關注和尋求社會公義，也少為受剝削打壓的弱勢群體發聲。面對當權者的強勢管治和對異見人士的迫害打壓，教會往往存明哲保身心態，寧可自我審查和對當權者各樣惡行噤聲，只求教內事工順利平安，最終對受欺壓者的生命尊嚴被踐踏，和基本權益被剝奪，置若罔聞。
我們求主施恩憐憫，赦免我們的自私自利、冷血麻木、假冒為善。願主耶穌的寶血遮蓋我們一切污穢，並賜我們悔改的心，重新遵行主的旨意，不再獨善其身，更能痛定思痛，追求公義憐憫，謙卑與主同行。
忠於基督
我們宣告，耶穌基督是教會唯一的元首和唯一效忠的對象。作為上帝話語和啟示的《聖經》，則是教會一切信仰規範、倫理辨識和待人處事的最高權威。我們立志遵從聖經的教導﹕「除了我（耶和華上帝）以外，你不可有別的上帝。」（出埃及記二十章三節） 還有「當拜主你的上帝，單要事奉祂。」（馬太福音四章十節）我們不會讓任何地上的權勢，不論是政府、政黨、領導人或任何威權組織、部門，位居耶穌基督之上，成為指導教會傳道牧養工作的權威。即使面對威權管治並各式各樣的逼迫和打壓，我們不會向任何地上權勢屈膝敬拜。任何政黨的意志或政府的法令，若違背《聖經》的教導，我們有責任遵從使徒的教導﹕「順從上帝，不順從人，是應當的。」（使徒行傳五章二十九節）
我們立志，效法耶穌基督，甘心捨己，背十架，走窄路，也樂意效法歷代以來眾多因為堅守信仰而受苦、殉道的先賢，直至我們打完美好的仗，跑完當跑的路，守住所信的道。
守望同行
我們堅信，教會的基本使命，是宣揚福音，建立門徒，服侍世人，見證基督。教會不是政黨或政治團體，因此任何政治議題或訴求不應成為教會關注焦點，但當面對社會上的不義和邪惡，教會仍需作社會良知和盡其先知職份，指斥不義，宣告上帝旨意，為真理和真相作見證。
我們亦承諾，無論環境如何險惡，將堅守教會本份，與所有香港人同行，並繼續為香港作守望禱告和牧養關懷的服侍，見證「以馬內利」臨到，即上主確與處身困苦危難中的人同在同行。
我們堅信，雖然香港正值風雲變色的日子，但滿有公義、慈愛、憐憫的上帝，必引領香港人渡過漫長黑夜，直至黎明來到。歷史必將再次證明，唯有祂擁有至高權柄，廢王立王，興邦喪邦。我們祈盼耶穌基督王者再臨的那日，扭轉乾坤，撥亂反正，不單死亡被摧毀，惡人被懲處，更帶來眼淚被抹乾，離別得重聚，關係得和好，世界得光復，被稱為新天新地的日子。
主曆二零二零年五月三十一日
發起團體
榮光敬拜事工We are a group of Christian pastors and believers in Hong Kong. On 28 May 2020, at the National People’s Congress, the Chinese government passed the draft decision on establishing national security law in Hong Kong. The legislature attempts to enforce authoritarian government in Hong Kong in the name of banning subversion, separatism, terrorism and collusion with external forces, further depriving Hong Kong of freedom and human rights. We express extreme outrage towards such decision. The Chinese government is completely destroying its promise to Hong Kong and the world at large regarding “one country, two systems, Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy”, as well as smashing the foundations for Hong Kong as an international financial center and a liberal city.
At a time where “darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples”, we fearlessly and solemnly declare the following confession and promise to our society, including our full embrace of the Gospel of the Kingdom, our sincere repentance towards the Church’s shortcomings, our absolute refusal to authoritarian government, and our determination to walk together with Hong Kong society.
Gospel of the Kingdom
We firmly believe that through his descension, pastoral ministry, service and sacrifice, Jesus Christ proclaims the following good news to the world, “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15) As the son of God, the everlasting living God and the King of Heaven, Christ’s descension exemplifies God’s determination to demonstrate His authority, power, glory, as well as His mercy, grace and salvation to the world. The King of Heaven does not rule by controlling the world, rather, He rules by showing His love and humble servitude. Being the King, He was willing to sacrifice and die on the cross for His people in order to complete the salvation plan, so that all is forgiven and be reconciled to God, reclaiming one’s dignity and freedom. Thus, as the King of Heaven, His political blueprint is “to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
We firmly believe that after Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, He sends the Church to the ends of the world to preach the gospel, so that everyone may receive salvation and hope. The gospel doesn’t cater only individual happiness, rather, it involves a societal dimension; it doesn’t merely address the salvation of an individual soul, but the transformation of societal relationships; it doesn’t simply enhance an individual’s character, but the enhancement of societal system and culture. The aim of Jesus Christ’s salvation is to turn His chosen people into transformed new human beings, who live out Heavenly values and genuinely love others as much as themselves in their everyday lives.
Sincere Repentance
We willingly offer our sincere repentance before the Lord. Since the handover of sovereignty in 1997, churches in Hong Kong have been too focused on their internal affairs, we seldom focused on and seek social justice, and we rarely spoke up for the oppressed minorities. When facing the authority’s strong governance and the persecution and suppression towards the dissidents, churches often chose to protect themselves. They engaged in self-censorship and remained silent towards the evil deeds of the authority, with their only wish being the smooth and uninterrupted operation of church ministries. As a result, they turned a blind eye towards the robbed dignity of the oppressed, as well as the deprivation of their basic rights.
We ask for mercy from the Lord to forgive our selfishness, cold-bloodedness and hypocrisy. May Jesus Christ’s blood covers all our filthiness, give us a repenting heart to do the Lord’s will, stop sitting on the sidelines, and vow to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with God.
Be Faithful to Christ
We declare that Jesus Christ is the only head of the church and the sole subject of our allegiance. The Bible, being the Word and inspirations of God, serves as the highest code of conduct in regard to all religious, ethical and interpersonal matters. We pledge to follow the Bible’s teachings, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) and “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10) We will not allow any earthly authorities, be it government, political party, leaders or any authoritarian organisations or departments, to usurp the authority of Christ and become the authority in administering church pastoral ministry. We will never bow down and worship any form of earthly powers, even in the face of authoritarian government and various forms of persecutions and suppressions. Should the will of a political party or the order of a government go against the teachings of The Bible, it is our duty to follow the apostles’ guidance, “We must obey God rather than human beings.” (Acts 5:29)
We pledge to follow Jesus Christ’s example in denying ourselves, taking up the cross and walking the narrow way. We will also follow the footsteps of the numerous martyrs who have suffered and died for holding fast to our faith, until we have fought the good fight, we have finished the race, we have kept the faith.
Keep Watch and Walk Together
We firmly believe that the fundamental mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel, build disciples, serve the world and be a witness to Christ. The church is neither a political party nor a political organisation, therefore, political agendas or demands should not become the main focus of the church. However, when facing injustice and evilness in the society, the church should act as the social conscience and fulfil its prophetic role to denounce injustice, to proclaim the will of God, and to bear witness to truth.
We also pledge that no matter how tough it gets, we shall hold onto our duty as the church to walk together with all Hongkongers, and to uphold Hong Kong ceaselessly with prayers and pastoral care, as a living testimony of “Emmanuel” – God is here with those who are suffering.
We firmly believe that although Hong Kong is undergoing a time of drastic change, the just and merciful God would lead Hongkongers through the long and dark night until dawn comes. History will once again demonstrate that only He possesses the ultimate power to abolish and rise kings and states. We yearn for the day when Jesus Christ the King returns, where tables are turned and order is brought out of chaos. Not only will death be destroyed and evil be punished, tears will be wiped away, separated ones will be reunited, relationships will be reconciled – the world liberated, as a new heaven and new earth.
31 May 2020
Initiating Organisation
Glorious Worship Ministry
